AFW launches hunt for sommelier of the year

The Academy of Food & Wine (AFW) has launched a search for the UK sommelier of the year.

Wines in the Press: Sweet sherry and brilliant Bordeaux

Pernod ploughs £1m into Campo Viejo push

Pernod Ricard is launching a £1 million ad campaign to push its Campo Viejo Rioja wine brand.

Weekend round-up: More than 4000 pubs face closure

The FT
More than 4,000 pubs will go out of business in the next two years as beer sales fall and higher bills crush profits, according to insolvency specialists at PwC. Sixty-four pub businesses went bust in the third quarter - more than double the number in the same period last year and nearly triple the number in 2006. A combination of factors, including the smoking ban and the aggressive marketing of alcohol by supermarkets, had helped encourage people to drink in their homes rather than pubs and bars.

The Mirror
A company which makes home booze deliveries was yesterday slammed for advertising itself as an "emergency service" and using an ambulance logo. Alcohol in Emergency's leaflets proclaim: "A in E ... your quick link to drink." But health groups and MPs called it "ill-judged" marketing by the Southampton firm that delivers all night until 6am.

Almost 42,000 pupils have been sent home for booze or drug offences in the past four years. A total of 1,930 primary and secondary school youngsters were expelled. And a further 39,890 were suspended, figures from the Department for Children Schools and Families show. Separate data from the Home Office reveals 521,000 under-18s have been able to buy alcohol in bars. Almost half of those who drank regularly admitted doing crime.

The Times
A 'silent epidemic' of dementia could await today's binge drinkers, psychiatrists have warned. Heavy drinkers of all ages are at risk of developing debilitating conditions, including alzheimers, in later life, according to a new a study. Its authors are now calling for cigarette-style warning labels on wine bottles to stave off a mental health time bomb.

Beer sales in pubs may be in steep decline, but real ale, once seen as the preserve of the sandal-wearing brigade, is on the up. According to the Society of Independent Brewers (Siba), sales of locally produced beers bucked the trend with a rise of 8 per cent in the first half of the year. The figures are in stark contrast with the wider beer market, which suffered a 7.2 per cent fall in sales in the three months to the end of September.

BBC Online
Pub-goers in Aberdeen are facing a drugs test before entering bars as part of a crackdown by Grampian Police. Officers in the force will be the first in Scotland to use an Itemiser - a device which can detect traces of drugs from hand swabs in a matter of seconds. The test is voluntary, but customers will be refused entry if they do not take part. They could be searched and even arrested if traces are found.

Shepherd Neame scores Asian themed offer with Asda

Shepherd Neame's Asian Collection, which includes Kingfisher Beer, Sun Lik Beer and Asahi Beer, is part of an exclusive offer with the 330 Asda Stores, UK wide.
Source: Shepherd Neame

Napa Valley generates billions for US economy

California's Napa Valley contributes $42 billion (£25.9 billion) a year to the entire US wine economy, according the findings of a new report.

"Explosion" of 24-hour bars fails to materialise

Government statistics show that the "predicted explosion" in 24-hour drinking venues has failed to materialise. Text

Nicolas appoints new wine buyer

French-owned high street retailer Nicolas has appointed Antoine Delafarge to work as a wine buyer alongside chief buyer Alain Favereau.

eBay style site for wine industry launches

An eBay style online wine auction site launches today (October 31).

Pernod reports 13% sales jump in Q1

Pernod Ricard has reported a first quarter revenue rise of 13% thanks to the strong performance of brands such as Perrier-Jouët and Jameson and the recent purchase of Absolut Vodka.

Santa Rita chairman passes away

Don Ricardo Claro, chair of the Santa Rita wine group in Chile, has passed away after suffering a heart attack.

Wine Australia starts hunt for "best and brightest" wine talent

Wine Australia has launched its search for candidates for its scholarship programme, which will offer 12 industry members the chance to go to Australia and participate in a series of educational workshops.

PLB appoints ex MD of Paragon Vintners

PLB Group has appointed former managing director of Paragon Vintners, Tony Dee, to the position of non-executive director.

Consumers cut wine spend as downturn bites

Consumers are spending less on wine and are letting price promotions govern their choices, according to a major survey of wine drinkers by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA).

United Brands schnapps up Godfrey's

United Brands has added Godfrey's Schnapps to its premium portfolio as of November 1st 2008.

The Sopranos to launch line of Italian wines

TV network HBO is launching a range of wines in a spin-off venture of cult US television show The Sopranos, a series about a mobster family in New Jersey.

Brit designer Alexander McQueen tries his hand at whisky

British designer Alexander McQueen has added some fashion-world glamour to whisky, by creating a limited edition 'couture' bottle of Chivas Regal 18 Year Old.

Foster's delays decision on wine division

Foster's Group has delayed until next year a decision on what to do with its ailing wine business.

Lourensford Wines joins biodiversity initiative

Lourensford Wines has joined the group of just 13 South African wineries to be named a "champion producer" by the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative (BWI).

Minimum alcohol price plans dropped

The government has decided not to impose a minimum price on alcohol, according to a report in the Mirror.