Schaafsma: Australia has a lot to shout about

As an Australian working in the UK, Paul Schaafsma, Accolade Wines' chief executive for Europe, is determined to play his part in shouting about what his country can offer the UK wine market.

Russian sparkling wine producer unveils expansion plans

Russia's oldest sparkling wine producer - Abrau-Durso - has unveiled plans for a programme of significant expansion works over the next 12 months.

Grasovka bison grass vodka launches in UK

Love Drinks has announced the addition of Polish bison grass vodka Grasovka to its portfolio.

Glenfiddich's Malt Mastermind competition heads home

The fourth Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind competition will take place in October and, for the first time, will see the final held in Glenfiddich's hometown of Dufftown.

Online global wine marketplace to host virtual shops

A new interactive online global wine marketplace is being launched to challenge "inefficient" retail websites that offer "no social engagement", according to its founder Paul Gerken.

Pubs celebrated at Great British Pub Awards 2013

The BT Sport Great British Pub Awards 2013 winners were celebrated on September 12 in London at the Hilton Hotel on Park Lane, where 18 winners were recognised from over 800 entries as some of the most respected pubs of 2013.

Laithwaite's Wine expands buying team

Laithwaite's Wine has confirmed it is to take on two new buyers - Robin Langton and Davy Zyw - to complement its 10-strong buying team.

Prosecco on tap a time saver and profits booster

Serving Prosecco on tap rather than by the bottle could help reduce serving time by up to 80% and enhance profits this Christmas, according to on-trade Prosecco supplier Frizzenti.

Chase Distillery launches its first cider

Willy's Cider, produced by Herefordshire's Chase Distillery, will make its market debut in October.

Elephant Gin to launch in the UK this month

A new handcrafted London dry gin called Elephant Gin, which is a gin inspired by Africa and supports the conservation of African wildlife by donating 15% of all profits to two African elephant foundations, is set to hit the UK market this month.

Beautiful South Tasting to return in 2014

Wines of Argentina, Wines of Chile and Wines of South Africa have said visitor numbers for the Beautiful South Tasting exceeded expectations and it will take place again next year. Additional events under the Beautiful South banner will also take place at other wine events.

Manicomio City to offer steak and wine dinner

Manicomio City is launching a dinner special for two, which will run from now until the end of November, and for £65 gets a longhorn T-bone steak for two and a bottle of Chianti Classico.

Wines of South Africa appoints new chief executive

Wines of South Africa (WOSA) has announced the appointment of former Distell global head of marketing Siobhan Thompson as chief executive, who will succeed Su Birch from November.

Edinburgh Gin spices up autumn

Just three years since launching, small batch specialist Edinburgh Gin has added a third flavour to its portfolio - Spiced Orange.

Douglas Blyde heads up to Aqua Shard

The Shard - tallest skyscraper in the EU, nine years in the planning, and three-and-a-half years in the building - is the vision of Renzo Piano. The "best buildings" of the Genoese architect evoke such"serenity" claims former New York Times critic, Nicolai Ouroussoff, as to "almost make you believe that we live in a civilized world."

Southern Comfort announces follow-up TV ad

Bacardi Brown-Forman has announced the next stage of its 'Whatever's Comfortable' ad campaign for Southern Comfort in the UK.

Louis Jadot purchases Oregon vineyard

Maison Louis Jadot has announced that it has purchased Resonance Vineyard in Oregon's Willamette Valley for an undisclosed fee.

Searcys to open Gin Joint next month

Searcys is to launch Gin Joint, a brasserie and bar situated in the Barbican Centre, where around 40 gins will be available, including one chilled on tap.

Half of wines sold in Scotland below proposed minimum price

Lucas Bols launches honey liqueur

Lucas Bols has announced the launch of Bols Honey Liqueur to offer bartenders a new twist for cocktails.