Friday Read: Hide’s Julia Sewell on NZ setting benchmark for land custodianship

New Zealand Winegrowers’ Sommit 2019 gave 16 international somms the chance to explore 200 years of winemaking from Northland to Otago. 

Changing of the guard at Taittinger

Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger is to step down as president of the eponymous family-owned Champagne house at the end of 2019.

Millennials vital to health of the wine sector over next five years, says new research

A new definitive report into the drinking behaviours of millennials (born between 1980 and 2000) has put to bed concerns that younger drinkers are completely abandoning wine in favour of craft beers or spirits – or even eschewing alcohol completely.

Top tier rum gets a boost with new Bacardi barrel-aged expression

Bacardi is focusing its energy on its premium range with a new barrel-aged golden sipping variant, adding fire to a category that is quickly on the rise.

Climate change hits Champagne harvest

Global warming cost Champagne over 10% of its potential harvest this year, the Champagne Bureau has revealed.

Italian wine poised for big growth on Liv-Ex

The price of Italian wine on the secondary market still lags behind its critical reputation, according to a new report from fine-wine trading platform Liv-Ex. But that could be changing.

Amathus's inaugural tasting puts spotlight on ambitious plans to double its wine portfolio

Amathus Drinks held its first stand alone tasting of recent times this week to highlight what has been a major push into the wine category for the traditionally spirits-led company over the past few years.

Why TWE started over in China

Treasury Wine Estates (TWE), the Australian owner of leading brand Penfolds, has shed some light on why it decided to call time on its distributor in China – and why setting up on its own steam has been key to growth in the country.

Chapel Down Group appoints new sales director

Chapel Down Group has recruited a former retail channel controller at Treasury Wine Estates as its new sales director.

Lebanon goes back to its roots with 100% Merwah and less focus on “blingy reds”

Lebanese winemakers are delving into their history, and are now ready to expand their repertoire from "extracted, luxurious reds” to indigenous whites and terroir-driven styles, an expert on the country has said.

Fladgate latest to announce back-to-back vintage declaration

Things are heating up in the Douro, with yet another port house following up 2016 with another vintage year.

Tesco boss hails turnaround

Tesco is celebrating the biggest leap in profits since it was shaken by an accounting scandal five years ago, having seen annual pre-tax profits jump 28.8% to £1.67 billion.

Climate change leaving Beaujolais in fear of being priced out of the market by cereal and milk

The temperature is rising in Beaujolais, leaving producers to worry their products will be edged out of consumers’ repertoires by rival crops.

Hatch Mansfield signs distribution deal for Gaja

Hatch Mansfield has signed a deal as the exclusive UK agent for the Gaja family, marking the first Italian producer to join its portfolio

Former Armit Wines' marketing head joins Gusbourne in new role

Kent winery Gusbourne has appointed Jonathan White as head of marketing.

Jerry Lockspeiser: Why companies with a lot to lose usually do

“In today's fast-paced world, leaders need to move at speed. The rate of innovation and change in organisations and the challenges of impatient investors or shareholders mean leadership decisions must be quick, smart and deliver real impact. “

Why the Rhône’s white evolution is gathering pace

The Rhône Valley is not – predominantly – known for its whites.

Thinking outside the wine box on global shortages

Sourcing more cannily, focusing on quality and seeking out alternatives are just some of the outcomes that have resulted from increased supply and price pressures over the past few years. Re-evaluation was a key theme at the London Wine Fair Innovation Zone debate on May 22, as panellists discussed how best to meet changing consumer needs when global consumption patterns and global supply rarely see eye to eye.

China to squeeze bulk supply of Australian red to critical levels over next 3-5 years

Bacardi marches 5,500 employees ‘Back to the Bar’ for grassroots on-trade initiative

Employees at spirits powerhouse Bacardi left their computers and labs yesterday and headed to their local bars as part of a global initiative to find out what’s driving engagement at the sharp end of the trade.