Snow storms hit producers and vines in central Italy

Up to 60cm of snow, which fell on Monday and Tuesday this week, have caused extensive damage to the vineyards in Abruzzo, central Italy.

Plans for Bordeaux's global wine city unveiled at Wine Vision

Billed as the "biggest celebration of wine in the world" the plans for Cite de Civilisations du Vin to be built in Bordeaux were revealed to a global audience at last week's Wine Vision conference in London.

Origin Wine strengthens Old World portfolio with Spanish distribution deal

Origin Wine has strengthened its portfolio of Old World wines by signing a distribution agreement with Alvisa the Spanish winery.

Pernod Ricard switches more of its advertising budget to digital and social media

An increasing proportion of Pernod Ricard's UK advertising budget is being spent on social and digital media, as traditional media consumption continues to decline, according to managing director Denis O'Flynn.

Wine Vision Day 1: who said what on social media

Relive day one from last week's Wine Vision global wine conference hosted in association with Harpers in London that brought many of the world's leading wine players, producers and commentators to the capital to look at the future of wine. Here is our review of the social media conversation that took place during the first afternoon of the conference. Look out for further reviews on Harpers.co.uk.

English wines showcase new releases at East Anglian trade tasting

New Hall founder Piers Greenwood capped off a winning year with the release of his Sparkling English Rosé magnum at the East Anglian Vineyard Association's recent trade tasting.

Largest World Bulk Wine Exhibition attracts nearly 6,000 visitors to Amsterdam

The largest World Bulk Wine Exhibition held to date took place this week in Amsterdam with up to 176 wineries taking part from 16 different countries.

Majority of Champagne is not being sold "well" says Taittinger chief

Up to 70% of Champagne around the world is not being sold "well" and the major houses need to step up their act to protect the category, according to the head of Champagne Taittinger, Pierre Emmanuel Taittinger.

New Zealand wants to be the world's number one producer of lower alcohol wines

New Zealand wants to position itself as the "world's leading producer of high-quality, lower calorie and lower alcohol 'lifestyle' wines" in the biggest research project undertaken by the country's wine industry.

Independents should target the "ethical" under-35 consumer says IGD

Specialist independent wine merchants and retailers looking to sell organic, Fairtrade and ethically sourced wine and spirits are urged to specifically target the under-35 age group as they are the most likely consumers to want to buy such products, according to new IGD research released today.

Treasury Wine Estates streamlines senior executive team

Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has announced today that its executive leadership team, which included five brand business unit leaders and four regional business units, will be reduced to three roles consisting of one chief marketing officer and two regional chief commercial officers, effective immediately.

The Golden State reports a golden harvest

Wines of Argentina wins national events award for breakthrough Cambalache initiative

Wines of Argentina's breakthrough Cambalache consumer event, that helped celebrate the best wine, food, music and art that the country has to offer, has come top in an industry award for brand experience. It has also been announced that Cambalache will return in 2014 with events planned for both London and New York.

Burgundy School of Business launches Wine & Spirits program

The Burgundy School of Business launched the first international institution of its kind, offering a comprehensive program that focuses on the business of wines and spirits called the School of Wine & Spirits Business (SWSB) in Dijon, France.

Scottish multi-buy promotions ban has not hit alcohol sales says new study

Banning multi-buy promotions for alcohol has failed to hit alcohol sales in Scotland, according to a new academic study.

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

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.

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.