Shoppers waiting for Christmas deals before spending says Nielsen

Consumers are increasingly holding back on their grocery shopping and waiting for Christmas deals to come in to play as the performance of the UK's major supermarkets declined for the third successive 12-week period, according to the latest statistics from retail analysts Nielsen.

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Douglas Blyde on rediscovering Muscadet with the Choblets

"Sowing the future in a middle of a crisis," I remark, gazing deep into the monochrome photo.  Sturdy ox gently tug primitive-looking planting equipment. Beyond, hare guards encircle just transplanted, sappy vines. The effect is not unlike pets wrapped in anti-itch collars. In the foreground, a photographer's shadow looms large. The sunny year, according to the Choblet brothers, is 1944, and the shadow is their grandfather.

How the late Rodney Densem put the north west on the map

Here we remember Rodney Densem, who sadly died in December, who last year spoke to Carol Emmas about his long career as an independent wine merchant and how his business, Rodney Densem Wines is evolving for the future. 

Q&A: Marie-Annick Consola, sales director, Vignobles Foncalieu

Anne Krebiehl talks to Marie-Annick Consola of Vignobles Foncalieu a collective co-operative that covers numerous appellations across the south of France and the Rhône Valley. It's 1,200 members work 5,100 hectares of vineyards and sales exceed 21 million bottles. Foncalieu's progressive management embarked on the path of premium production roughly a decade ago. Consola wasin London to introduce the 'Iconic' range, a collection of stand-out wines from distinct appellations like Saint-Chinian, Corbières, Minervois and Côteaux d'Esérune as well as the wines of Château Haut Gléon in Corbières. While Foncalieu still provides some own-label wines for Asda, it has largely moved away from the high-volume off-trade.

Producers urged to push sweeter sparkling wines in China

The paltry sparkling market in China could be significantly enlarged by promoting sweeter sparkling wines, according to leading professionals engaged in the country.

Social media is "essential" for brands looking to break in to Chinese wine market

A social media presence in China should now be considered an "essential part" of any wine brands marketing strategy in the country, according to analysts Wine Intelligence.

Independent Wine Crew joins forces to help each other run better businesses

Robin Copestick's Asian and Australia adventure: week two

In part two of Robin Copestick, co-founder of wine agency, Copestick Murray, travels around Asia and Australia exploring the wine markets for trends and opportunities for his business he visits Seoul, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore

North west's Michelin starred restaurant Fraiche goes on the market

One Michelin star chef, Marc Wilkinson, has put his Wirral-based 12-cover restaurant Fraiche on the market.

Treasury Wine Estates and Accolade sign further bottling agreement in California

Treasury Wine Estates has signed a further deal this week with Accolade Winesto provide packaging and production services for several brands based in California, including its Geyser Peak, Atlas Peak and XYZin brands.

Online grocery sector set to increase by 123% in the next five years

Online grocery sales are set to grow by a staggering 123% to be worth £14.6 billion by 2018, according to the Institute of Grocery Distribution.

Bowmore offers limited edition 50-year whisky for £16,000 a bottle

Bowmore, founded in 1779 and Islay's first producer of single malt Scotch whisky, is releasing 200 bottles of limited edition, 50-year-old single malt, for £16,000 per bottle.

Mark Fiddes on the art of good storytelling when advertising vodka

What does a Long Slow Comfortable Screw Up Against The Wall have in common with Plutonium?

Port houses stung further by increased costs in brandy says Symington Family Estates

Port producers continue to struggle with the large increases in wine brandy used in the port making that is putting serious pressure on their cost base, according to Symington Family Estatesone of the biggest players in the sector.

Morrisons full online grocery offer to go live on January 10

Morrisons has confirmed its first home delivery online grocery service will go live on January 10 which promises to make full use of its partnership with online specialist retailer Ocado.

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Carol Emmas: why I sometimes prefer cheap wine

I prefer cheap wine. There you go - I've said it. I feel like I should be standing in a confessional with my head hung low muttering the words in shame.

One alcohol free day a week makes no difference hears Wine Vision debate

Having one alcohol free day per week has no health benefits, according to a leading doctor.

Personalised marketing is key to future wine sales says Amazon at Wine Vision

Personalised marketing, customer reviews and product comparisons are key to successfully selling alcohol online, according to Amazon.