Entries open for Ruinart Sommelier Challenge 2026

Applications have opened for the ninth edition of the Ruinart Sommelier Challenge.

Alliance Wine/H2Vin achieves ISO 14001

Importer Alliance Wine/H2Vin has earned the ISO 14001:2015 certification for its UK operations, achieving a flawless audit from the British Measurement Bureau on its first attempt.

Quinta de Soalheiro joins Thorman Hunt

Quinta de Soalheiro has appointed Thorman Hunt as its distributor in the UK.

Good Wine Good People adds Apollo’s Praise to portfolio

Importer and distributor Good Wine Good People (GWGP) has announced the addition of Finger Lakes winery Apollo’s Praise to its wholesale portfolio.

Old Vine Registry reaches 10,000 vineyard sign ups

The Old Vine Registry, a public database committed to collating historic vineyards, has announced that it has surpassed 10,000 vineyard registrations from across the globe.

Virgin Wines fully launches new app

Leading direct-to-consumer online wine retailer Virgin Wines has announced the full launch of its mobile app, after a soft launch around a month ago.

Madrid set to gain its first international wine fair

A new international wine fair is launching this May in Madrid. The Spanish capital will play host to ‘WINEMAD’ which seeks to “become one of the new global meeting points for the industry”.

MUP falters again in Northern Ireland

Mike Nesbitt, the health minister for Northern Ireland, has said that he will be unable to deliver minimum unit pricing (MUP) before the Stormont election in May 2027, as reported by the BBC.

Australia-EU trade deal sees wine and spirits tariffs drop to zero

The new Australia-EU trade deal will see the introduction of zero-for-zero tariffs on wine and spirits exports. The agreement also sees new arrangements regarding EU and Australian ‘geographical indications’ (GIs).

Wine GB: UK had ‘exceptional’ harvest in 2025

To “celebrate the start of the growing season”, Wine GB has published its 2025 Harvest Report, showing that last year was “exceptional” for the British Isles.

Survey: 93% of workers would recommend a career in hospitality

Software provider Access Hospitality has said that belief in hospitality remains strong, despite “short-term morale” falling.

Majestic-owner Fortress set to sell retailer

Owner of multiple retailer Majestic, Fortress Investment Group, is set to offload the retailer after seven years of ownership, having entered the early stages of selling the well-known company.

Côte launches French-only online wine shop

Côte Brassiere has launched Côte Uncorked, the first ever French-only online wine shop set up by a UK restaurant group.

Proposed holiday tax could threaten 33,000 jobs, industry warns

New proposals to introduce a tourist levy in England could deliver a £1.6bn tax hit to consumers while shrinking the wider economy and reducing employment, according to UK Hospitality.

Encirc workers announce strikes over proposed redundancies

Over 100 workers at glass bottle manufacturer Encirc’s Elton site have announced strikes (from 28-30 March and from 3-7 April) over redundancy proposals.

Pub and bar closures hit five-year high as macroeconomic pressures bite

New packaging innovation aims to cut EPR fees and boost sustainability

Croxsons, a B-Corp certified firm that supplies glass packaging for the food and drink sector, has launched a lightweight glass packaging solution, Rightweight®.

Wirra Wirra acquires legendary Grenache vineyard in McLaren Vale

NVV heralds new Netflix show set in Napa Valley

Napa Valley Vinters (NVV) has lauded a new Netflix series centred around the Napa Valley as “a rare opportunity to reach millions of viewers worldwide at a time when the wine industry is evolving and the market is changing”.

Curious Vines launches Rioja Education Award with C.V.N.E and Hatch Mansfield

Curious Vines has partnered with northern Spanish producer CVNE and its agent Hatch Mansfield to launch a 2026 Rioja Education Award, aimed at women and non-binary professionals.