The Wine Shift publishes independent journalism about wine, markets, science, health, regulation, culture and the changing relationship between wine and society.
Its purpose is not to promote wine, producers or institutions, but to examine how the wine world works: what changes, what drives those changes, who benefits and where claims deserve closer scrutiny.
Editorial independence
The Wine Shift decides independently which subjects to investigate and publish.
Ideas may come from research, interviews, press releases, scientific papers, producers, trade organisations, readers, events, or developments in the wine market. None of these sources has control over editorial conclusions.
Samples, invitations, travel, meals or other hospitality do not guarantee coverage or favourable treatment. Relevant relationships or benefits are disclosed when they may affect how a reader evaluates an article.
Paid or sponsored content, if published, is clearly identified as such.
Sources and verification
The Wine Shift prefers primary and authoritative sources where possible, including scientific papers, official statistics, legislation, policy documents, technical documentation and direct interviews.
Secondary sources can provide context, but important factual claims are checked against original or independent sources whenever practical.
Scientific claims are assessed in context. A single study rarely settles a question. Research design, sample size, methodology, funding, conflicts of interest, statistical significance and practical relevance may all matter.
Fact, analysis, and opinion
The Wine Shift publishes reporting, analysis, commentary, and opinion.
Facts should remain verifiable regardless of genre. Analysis may interpret evidence and draw conclusions. Opinion may be more argumentative, but factual claims still require support.
Criticism should address claims, decisions, systems, institutions, products, and ideas rather than become a personal attack.
Right of reply
When an article contains substantial criticism of a person, company or organisation, The Wine Shift will, where reasonably possible, offer an opportunity to respond before publication.
A lack of response does not automatically prevent publication. Where relevant, the article may state that comment was sought.
Corrections
Errors should be corrected promptly.
Minor spelling, punctuation, or formatting changes may be made without notice. Material factual corrections are identified when they affect the meaning, interpretation or conclusion of an article.
Substantial additions may also be dated or explained.
Readers can report possible errors through the Contact page.
Conflicts of interest and commercial relationships
The Wine Shift is edited by Reinier O. Broeks.
Relevant financial, professional or personal relationships are disclosed when they could reasonably affect how a reader assesses a publication.
Editorial judgement is not for sale. A commercial relationship, consultancy, invitation, sample or other benefit does not give an outside party editorial control.
Use of artificial intelligence
The Wine Shift uses artificial intelligence as an editorial tool.
AI may assist with:
- research organisation;
- document analysis;
- comparison of sources and datasets;
- transcription;
- translation;
- summarisation;
- development of research questions;
- structural editing;
- language editing;
- headline and metadata development;
- SEO and structured data;
- preparing drafts from the author’s own notes, research and editorial instructions.
AI may also be used to test arguments, identify gaps in reasoning, challenge assumptions or suggest questions that require further investigation.
AI output is not treated as a journalistic source. A model’s answer does not establish a fact simply because it is plausible or well written.
The author remains responsible for:
- selecting sources;
- verifying factual claims;
- interpreting evidence;
- identifying uncertainty;
- making editorial judgements;
- the argument and conclusions;
- wording and tone;
- the final published text.
Where AI produces factual information that matters to an article, that information should be checked against primary or otherwise reliable sources before publication.
AI may contribute substantially to the drafting process. That does not transfer authorship or responsibility to the system. Publication means that the named author has reviewed, edited and approved the final text and accepts responsibility for it.
Translations may be produced with AI assistance and then checked and edited by the author. Where relevant, this is disclosed with the article.
AI-generated or AI-edited images may be used for illustration. They should not be presented in a way that could reasonably lead readers to believe they are documentary photographs of real events, people or historical situations. Where that distinction may not be obvious, the image is identified as AI-generated or AI-assisted.
Confidential source material, unpublished personal information or sensitive documents should not be entered into AI systems unless their use is justified and appropriate safeguards are in place.
The Wine Shift’s use of AI may change as the technology develops. One principle remains unchanged: responsibility rests with the human author and editor.
I am Reinier O. Broeks, and I approve this text. The responsibility for it is mine.
Health and scientific subjects
Articles about alcohol, health, and medicine require particular care.
The Wine Shift distinguishes, where relevant, between observational research, clinical evidence, laboratory findings, statistical association, proposed mechanisms and established causation.
Journalistic information is not individual medical advice.
Copyright and attribution
The Wine Shift respects copyright and attribution.
Text, images, charts, and other third-party material are used with permission, under applicable quotation or other legal exceptions, or with appropriate attribution.
Changes to this policy
This policy may be updated as editorial practice, technology, regulation or journalistic standards change.
Material changes will be reflected on this page.
Contact
Questions about editorial policy, corrections, sources or potential conflicts of interest can be sent through the Contact page.