Power to the Punter

Technology is fast empowering the consumer when it comes to engagement, purchasing decisions, driving innovation and shaping the market, with accessible gadgets, widgets, apps and other advances changing the way wine is shipped, sold, delivered and even drunk. 

Wine Intelligence highlights alternative format trends

Distell defies challenging season with promising harvest

Distell has reported a ‘promising quality’ harvest despite experiencing one of the most challenging seasons in recent years.

Splash Wines gears up for UK launch

Splash Wines, the US based direct-to-consumer wine marketer, has announced its intention to expand into the UK market.

L’Atelier du Vin joins Brighton's burgeoning drinking scene

L’Atelier du Vin

Three Spanish wine producers join forces to offer ‘unique’ wines

Three Spanish wine producers have joined forces to offer UK wholesalers, on-trade operators and independents an opportunity to source a unique portfolio of wine from the country.

McGuigan expands Black Label with first sparkling wines

McGuigan Wines has expanded its Black Label portfolio with three sparkling wines, including a red variant, marking the first fizz to join the range.

Vins de Bordeaux gears up for spring with trade tasting series

Vins de Bordeaux has revealed it is launching a series of educational tastings especially created for wine trade professionals.

Provence 2017 wine production slumps 12% as quality rises

Wine output from Provence slumped by 12% or 21 million bottles in 2017 following harsh late frosts, according to the region’s winemakers.

Industry asked: how much drink is too much?

How much is too much? Are new rules needed to stop drinks brands implying their products can improve mood? Does the industry still use sexist imagery to advertise drinks?

English vine plantings to rise by up to 70% this year

Sales of English wine jumped by almost a third (31%) between 2015 and last year, according to a new survey of the country’s winemakers.

Rioja 2017 vintage scarce but ‘very good’

The Rioja 2017 vintage has been awarded an official ‘very good’ rating by the Rioja Control Board.

Cannabis: Bigger than craft

Experts are predicting that cannabis is going to be the next major challenge to wine and spirits, and is already appropriating the alcohol industry’s vernacular. Jo Gilbert reports

Taxi! Loire Valley Wines splashes out on black cab branding

The trade body that represents winemakers from the Loire Valley is gearing up for a marketing offensive in London in May.

Bloom & Wild begins posting ‘letterbox wine’

The company behind a plastic letterbox wine bottle that allows wine to be posted through drinkers’ doors has launched a partnership with a leading online florist.

Wine-Searcher CEO quits claiming ‘I never wanted the job’

The founder of online drinks database Wine-Searcher has stepped down as boss of the business claiming: “I never really wanted to be CEO in the first place.”

Berry Bros & Rudd opens first pop-up wine bar

Berry Bros & Rudd is to open its first ever pop-up wine bar for London Wine Week (LWW).

Castelnau launches second Hors Catégorie cuvée as it looks to double sales

Champagne Castelnau last night launched Hors Catégorie cuvée - the second prestige cuvée to be released as part of the premium collection.

Washington post

If individuality, diversity and an artisanal approach are your thing, look no further than Washington’s medley of engaging wines, which today offer the modern list excitign points of difference. First, though, it's worth a glance at the winegrowing heritage in the state. 

WSET reveals new and enhanced qualifications

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has improved its educational programme with a new spirits qualification in addition to enhancing two of its existing courses.