Think France unveils array of expert presenters for masterclasses

Think France has lined up a fantastic array of presenters, including Rebecca Gibb MW, Greg Sherwood MW, Chateaux Lestrille’s Estelle Roumage and Richard Hemming MW, who will be heading up a far-reaching range of masterclasses exploring aspects of this seminal wine producing country.

Plumpton College announces Chris Foss’ retirement

Plumpton College has announced that Chris Foss, founder and manager of its wine division, is to retire this June after 31 years at the helm.

Pernod Ricard appoints new on-trade channel director

Pernod Ricard has promoted James Bremner, currently customer business manager, to the position of on-trade channel director.

Bordeaux UK exports jump 15% in value

The value of Bordeaux exports to the UK jumped 15% to €225million on stable volumes in 2018, according to data released today by the Interprofessional Council of Bordeaux (CIVB).

Jeroboams and Rick Stein raise £5,000 toast to The Benevolent

Jeroboams, Château d’Yquem and Rick Stein have raised an impressive charitable sum thanks to an experimental evening pairing fine wines of Bordeaux with the "best of British” seafood.

UK tops value increase for German wine exports

Quality Riesling appears to be on a roll, with the average price paid for exported German wine breaking records in 2018, while UK consumer thirst drove the biggest value increase of any export territory, according to German Wine Institute (DWI) figures.

Surrey Hills vineyards join forces to form ‘English wine region’

Five vineyards based in the Surrey Hills area of outstanding natural beauty have joined forces to form a new English wine region - ‘Vineyards of the Surrey Hills’.

‘Exceptional’ vintage prompts UK distributors to turn to Muscadet

An ‘exceptional’ 2018 vintage coupled with a consistent rise of quality of wine production from a new generation of vintners in the Pays Nantais has prompted UK distributors to turn to Muscadet.

Climate change leaving Beaujolais in fear of being priced out of the market by cereal and milk

The temperature is rising in Beaujolais, leaving producers to worry their products will be edged out of consumers’ repertoires by rival crops.

UK ‘culture of wine’ central to Franciacorta’s export drive

Franciacorta is positioning itself as ideal for “a new drinking demographic”, with the UK at the forefront of a renewed export drive.

Consorzio Vini delle Venezie DOC embarks on ‘second era of Italian style Pinot Grigio’

Consorzio Vini delle Venezie DOC has embarked on the ‘second era of Italian style Pinot Grigio’.

Restaurants continue to struggle as consumers tighten purse strings ahead of Brexit

The restaurant trade suffered another tough month in February with the mini heatwave towards the end of the month failing to move the whole market much, despite an encouraging performance from the pub trade.

Robert Oatley brings Katie MacAulay to the UK to 'develop market’

Robert Oatley Vineyards has brought its business development manager Katie MacAulay to the UK as part of a strategy to strengthen its position in the UK market.

Porto Protocol hits 130 members in less than a year

The Porto Protocol has attracted 130 businesses to sign up to the initiative launched last July with the endorsement of Barack Obama.

Meet the Dragons at Think France

A Dragons’ Den-style session will decide on the best opportunities for French Wines at Harpers forthcoming at Think France event on 26 March at Glazier’s Hall in London.

The Week that was

Casual Dining show records 5% uplift in attendance

The Casual Dining show has announced that attendance were up 5% at this year’s event, marking another year of record growth.

IMW appoints new executive director

Rufus Olins has taken the top job at The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW).

Latest round of Vindependents share options support growth

Members of the independent merchant-owned Vindependents have voted to issue a new round of share options in the company, allowing new members that take up the offer to have a say in how the buying group is run.

Veeno bought back from the brink with buyout

Veeno has been saved by investors who have rescued the Italian wine café’s 15-strong estate.