St Austell Brewery agrees investment with Harbour Brewing Co

Cornwalls’ St Austell Brewery has taken a minority share in Harbour Brewing Co, a multi-award-winning Cornish brewery. 

2022 harvest puts Sogevinus ‘to the test’

Leading Port and still wine producer Sogevinus is celebrating making its way through a "very difficult and challenging harvest", which was able to overcome significant viticultural challenges, including heat intensity and the lack of rainfall, particularly when it came to lower altitude vines.

Value of fine and rare whisky auction sales surge by 21%

A new report by investment bank Noble & Co has revealed that global demand for fine and rare single malt Scotch whisky has led to an increase in volume and value at whisky auction sales. 

Bulk rides high as global trade in wine grows

The global trade in wine continues to grow year-on-year, with bulk comprising an ever more important slice of that market, with the value of wines shipped in bulk rising, as more premium bulk gains share.

Friday read: Not a match – why is sherry failing to find its groove?

November and December is the time when fortifieds come out to play. At least, they do in the press. Probably 90% of port and sherry’s column inches occur in the month before Christmas.

Cramele Recas rolls out PET trial

Romanian winery Cramele Recas has officially launched its Recycled PET Multibarrier Bottles Project, as it tests the waters of alt formats with customers – and with the aim of eventually bringing a full-scale launch to market.

Berry Bros. & Rudd dives into regenerative viticulture collaboration

Fine wine and spirits merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd (BBR) has announced a new collaboration with the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation, as it aims to ‘lead the industry’ on its journey towards increasingly sustainable vineyard practices.

Rioja's white exports grow, but overall market dips

The growth of Rioja’s white wines is paying dividends for the region in the export market, finally making good on a promise that the DO is able to diversify its portfolio abroad. However, things are looking a little less rosy globally in 2022, with uncertainty in various key markets leading exports to take a tumble.

Lanchester’s Italian partner Tombacco steps up to sustainability

Vinicola Tombacco has achieved Equalitas Certification, a wine sector sustainability standard which recognises the winery’s commitment to sustainability.

Central Loire harvest delivers volume and ‘fantastic’ quality

Centre-Loire producers are touting the 2022 vintage as “maybe the best in 30 years”, according to Francois Dal of the BIVC’s (Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins du Centre) technical arm, SICAVAC.

Bancroft pushes into Greek top tier with 'experimental' Troupis

Wine from the Peloponnese is taking a significant step forwards into the UK market with the addition of low intervention wines from Troupis Winery, which has gained distribution via Bancroft Wines.

One in nine hospitality jobs still vacant despite pay rises

The staffing crisis is very much still underway heading into Christmas, data from CGA has revealed, with one in nine jobs in hospitality still vacant despite improvements in recruitment.

Tim Atkin MW returns to Ribera del Duero for second 'Special' report

Nick Gillett: Don’t listen to the snobs – RTDs have a lot to offer

You’ll not find many in the spirits industry praising the rise from the grave of the humble RTD – and to those who are disparaging of ready to drink products, I say, get over yourself.

Hospices de Beaune clinches record total for Sotheby’s Wine Auction

The 162nd Hospices De Beaune wine auction has reached a new, impressive milestone, with sales of €31 million ($32 million) making it the highest ever wine lot for one of the world’s top auction houses.

Champagne available in corporate boxes despite World Cup alcohol ban

FIFA has reversed its decision to sell alcohol at all eight World Cup stadiums in Qatar, just 48 hours before the tournament kicks off.

Hatch Mansfield appoints new director of national sales

Hatch Mansfield has appointed Rob Harrison as its director of national sales, in a newly-created role for the company.

BAME Wine Professionals announce winners of Louis Roederer Bursary

BAME Wine Professionals, the not-for-profit initiative that shines a light on wine talent in the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, has revealed the winners of its annual Champagne Louis Roederer Bursary.

Château de Pommard signs distribution deal with New Generation Wines

Château de Pommard, the longstanding Burgundy estate, has agreed a distribution partnership with New Generation Wines (New Gen) to be its exclusive importer in the UK. 

How the Drinks trade reacted to The Budget

In today’s Autumn Statement (17 November 2022), Chancellor Jeremy Hunt made a few announcements regarding business taxes, but there was no mention of alcohol duty, much to the frustration of the drinks trade.