Matthew Clark introduces virtual-reality wine-tasting concept at annual tasting

Leading on-trade distributor Matthew Clark is to offer visitors to its annual trade tasting this what it believes is the UK's virtual-vineyard wine-tasting experience.

Independents turn to experiential approach

Independent drinks retailers are currently facing a double whammy with supermarkets providing consumers with the convenience of picking up drinks with their weekly shop, while discounters are providing the sort of low prices that are hard to ignore.

Enotria & Coe partner with key spirits brands to target regional on-trade

KWV targets premium gap in the market with North South Wines

Leading South African wine producer KWV has appointed North South Wines as its UK distributor, taking over from Leeds-based Bottle Green, which was acquired by Kingsland Drinks early last year.

Vranken Pommery launches Provence and Camargue rosés in the UK

Champagne house Vranken Pommery Monopole is releasing a range of 2015 vintage rosés from its Camargue and Provence vineayards on the UK market as the popularity of drier, Provence-style rosés continues to grow.

German Pinots thriving ahead of 2016 promotional drive

Wines of Germany is planning a major promotional push on Pinot wines this year, as data from Neilsen confirms huge UK growth over the past year.

New Zealand's Craggy Range switches to Bibendum PLB

New Zealand premium single-vineyard winery Craggy Range has moved its UK distribution from Louis Latour Agencies to Bibendum PLB.

Birds of prey slash pest damage at Caliterra by 30%

Chilean winery Viña Caliterra is celebrating the success of an innovative pest-control project in its vineyards.

Berry Bros & Rudd in promotional drive for Virginia Wines

Berry Bros & Rudd customers who buy a six-bottle mixed case of Virginia wines may win a four-night trip to the wineries of Virginia, as part of a promotion with Virginia Wine which will run throughout March.

Cointreau launches £20,000 creativity award

The Cointreau Creative Crew launched a £20,000 grant scheme to champion creativity and artistic innovation worldwide this week.

Nina Sears joins Louis Latour Agencies

Fine wine distributor Louis Latour Agencies has appointed Nina Sears as regional account manager for the Midlands, Wales and the South-West.

Food pairing drives booming UK sales for Provence rosé

Sales of Provence rosé wines rose dramatically in the UK last year, up 37% by volume year on year and 11% by value, according to figures from regional marketing body, the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins de Provence.

Portman Group dismisses IAS report on under-age drinking

The Portman Group has slammed a report from the Institute of Alcohol Studies linking alcohol sports sponsorship to underage drinking.

SWA wins key passing-off victory for Scotch in India

The Scottish Whisky Association has won a key victory in the fight against passing off in India.

Great Western hails success of "spur of the moment" pop-up tasting

Bath-based national wine merchant Great Western Wines has successfully launched its first consumer-focused pop-up tasting.

Chivas Regal unveils £2,000 ultra-premium expression

Pernod Ricard's premium whisky brand Chivas Regal has launched a new ultra-prestige expression aimed at the luxury market.

Bruno Paillard launches 2008 vintage in UK market

The UK is the first international market to feature the 2008 "Assemblage" Champagne from Reims-based Champagne house Bruno Paillard.

Wyborowa celebrates exploration with Pathbreaker app and competition

Polish vodka brand Wyborowa - also known as Wybo - has launched a new app named Pathbreaker which is part of a three-month competition to celebrate exploration, the new and the unknown.

GlenDronach releases limited edition 1968 sherry-aged single malt

Aberdeenshire distillery GlenDronach has announced its oldest release yet, a 1968 single cask in a limited edition of just 301 bottles.

BHA joins campaign for 2% cut in duty on spirits

The British Hospitality Association has joined the Scotch Whisky Association, the Wine & Spirits Trade Association and other industry bodies in calling for a 2% cut in excise duty on spirits in chancellor George Osborne's forthcoming Budget.