In tribute to Litmus Wines’ Mike Florence

Friends, family and colleagues have paid tribute today to Mike Florence of Litmus Wines, who has sadly passed away following a long battle with Myeloma.

Paragon projects three-fold revenue increase following ‘substantial investment’

Paragon Brands has upped its projections for revenue and profit to “a target of £15m” within three years following a major investment by Maison Villevert.

Domaine Jones launches Adopt an Old Vine scheme

Ex-pat Languedoc-Roussillon based winemaker Katie Jones is launching an ‘Adopt an Old Vine’ scheme, which will offer customers and followers the chance to become ‘vine parents’ to an old vine at Domaine Jones.

Pent up demand delivers bigger post-lockdown bounce than 2020

Pubs, bars and restaurants able to operate outdoor space have seen a significant wave of customers returning, according to new data from CGA.

Vineyard area edges back to Europe as Spain and France rise and China's growth slows

Vineyard surface area saw some subtle yet far reaching shifts in 2020, with China falling into third place behind Spain and France as EU plantings stabilise and China's plantings slow.

EU appellations to be granted rights for dealcoholised wine production

Within the framework of the EU’s next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform due on 1 January 2023, geographical indications and protected denominations of origin will be allowed to produce lower-alcohol wines below 8.5% abv.

International Sherry Week and Copa Jerez align for autumn celebration

International Sherry Week will this year coincide with the biannual food and wine focused Copa Jerez competition during November.

Lay & Wheeler charity label to support Drinks Trust Relief Fund

Lay & Wheeler has announced the winner of its label design competition for a special late release of 2015 Sirène de Château Giscours, with 100% proceeds from sales going to The Drinks Trust’s Covid-19 Relief Fund.

Rioja plays a starring role in Cune’s first UK campaign

Hatch Mansfield has announced the launch of its first UK marketing campaign for Spanish label Cune, which will hone in on the brand’s Spanish heritage while promoting their range of Riojas.

Frost signals “significantly smaller” vintage for New Zealand harvest

Cooler spring weather and late frosts have led to a “significantly smaller vintage” for 2021, New Zealand Winegrowers has said, applying pressure at a time when the industry is facing increased production costs.

Over 40 black & ethnic minority students apply for Golden Vines scholarships

A total of 42 wine students from 23 different nationalities applied for the for the Taylor’s Port Golden Vines Diversity Scholarships programme, including students originating from Colombia, French Polynesia, Georgia, Iran, Jamaica, Malaysia, Nigeria, Peru, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago and Zimbabwe.

Historic Inglenook winery renews ties with New Generation Wines

Rutherford’s Inglenook winery has renewed its partnership with UK importer and distributor New Generation Wines as it aims to grow its international appeal.

Pledge of €1bn made to mitigate France’s frost “disaster”

The French government has pledged €1 billion in financial aid for farmers and winemakers whose crops have been devasted by this month’s cold snap which has led to the estimated loss of a third of the country’s wine production.

Soaring sherry sales prop up Tio Pepe’s 12th release

Drinks Wholesaler Spotlight 2021 – our business survey

Given the immense disruption of the past year, we’re morphing our annual Top Wholesaler list into a 2021 showcase for the innovation, adaptation and support seen from companies across this all important sector.

Bordeaux trading rises on US tariff suspension ahead of 2020 EP campaign

Market sentiment towards Bordeaux is “showing signs of recovery” as this year’s En Primeur campaign swings around, according to the Liv-ex members’ Bordeaux report released today.

One in four venues reopen for first week of outdoor service

Just under a quarter of England’s licensed premises have opened for trade in hospitality’s first week back for outdoor-only service, with pubs in particular capitalising on wider access to beer gardens, patios and other outdoor areas.

Indie supply disruptor Propeller ramps up distribution with SA’s Ross Sleet

Indies distribution incubator Propeller has teamed up exclusively with the Ross Sleet founded South African négociant Rascallion as it grows its model-defying footprint in the UK market.

Industry slams reported plans for mandatory on-trade BWS calorie labelling

UK Hospitality (UKH) and the Portman Group has voiced serious concern in relation to reported plans for licensed premises to label calorie count on beers, wine and spirits (BWS), with the Department of Health considering a consultation on plans to mandate any business with 250 or more employees to display calorie labels. 

Key agents back LWF Welcome Back Wednesday

Several leading UK based companies, all with an on-trade focus, have signed up to exhibit at the London Wine Fair’s (LWF) inaugural Welcome Back Wednesday, in addition to the May event, showing portfolios specifically for this sector.