Amandla celebrates Matthew Clark partnership

Progressive new South African wine brand Amandla is launching in the UK on-trade market this month via a new partnership with leading drinks distributor Matthew Clark.

Californian producers predict 2023 vintage will be ‘finest in years’

Following a late harvest and thus extra ripening time, Californian producers are predicting the 2023 vintage will be one of the ‘finest in years’, according to the Wine Institute – the membership board representing Californian wineries.

Blackbook releases wine and vinyl bundle

London-based independent wine producer, Blackbook Winery, has teamed up with US musician Jack Tatum of Wild Nothing to create a limited edition wine and vinyl bundle.

OTC becomes ‘UK hub’ for Coravin sample bottles

Coravin and The Online Tasting Company (OTC), the UK’s leading wine sample manufacturer, have announced a new partnership with OTC becoming the first UK hub for Coravin’s Vinitas – a breakthrough in sample bottle preservation.

Government is failing hospitality businesses, public warns

The UK Spirits Alliance (UKSA), representing hundreds of small businesses across the UK, has called on the government to back hospitality and distilleries by freezing duty on spirits at the Autumn Statement.  

WSET launches new industry talk series

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), has launched a series of industry talks on its global Events Hub, hosted on YouTube. The series will explore key topics impacting the global drinks industry and bring together a diverse range of experts to share their knowledge. 

Spirits sales down 20% after August hikes

Wine and spirit businesses continue to urge the chancellor to freeze alcohol duty at the Autumn Statement.

Jeannie Cho Lee MW replaces Jasper Morris MW at Sotheby’s

The 163rd edition of the Hospices de Beaune wine sale will see Jeannie Cho Lee MW replace Jasper Morris MW as a consultant for the annual wine auction.

Justin Liddle appointed as Mentzendorff MD

Mentzendorff, the UK import and agency business of Group Bollinger, has today announced Justin Liddle as its new MD, effective immediately.

Alcohol Duty: ‘One tax rise in a year is alarming, two is unacceptable’

Ahead of the Autumn Statement on 22 November, senior figures in the wine industry are voicing their concerns amidst fears of a second alcohol duty rise in the space of four months.

Nick Gillett: Competitive socialising – novelty or here to stay?

Plumpton College Queen’s Anniversary Prize

Plumpton College has been awarded the highest National Honour in education, a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for its work in wine education and wider impact on the English and Welsh wine sector.

Christmas strikes to cost hospitality £800m

ASLEF, the UK’s train drivers’ union, has announced a ‘rolling programme’ of strikes during the festive month.

Oxford Landing brings ‘duty-friendly’ wines to market

Oxford Landing Wines, owned by Australian winery Hill-Smith Family Estates, has launched two low-alcohol wines to the UK market.

Broadland Drinks launches ‘one-stop shop for cutting carbon’

Broadland Drinks, a Harpers Sustainability Charter Signatory, has today (16 November) launched its ‘one-stop shop to cut carbon’ – offering lightweight glass bottles, cans, bag in box (BiB), pouches, kegs and paper bottles to help retailers reduce carbon output.

Loire Valley vintage impacted by ‘complex weather’

Variable weather in the Loire Valley, which frequently fluctuated between soaking wet and scorching hot, has led to varied yields across the appellation.

Zonin1821 partners with the UK Sommelier Association

Zonin1821, one of Italy’s most important wineries, has partnered with the UK Sommelier Association (UKSA), to attract a greater number of young people to the profession.

Seedlip founder launches first product from new Pollen Projects

Ben Branson, the de facto face of the modern low & no movement, has announced the first headline product of a brand-new venture.

New Zealand supplies back in full flow at autumn tasting

New Zealand touched down via the country’s autumn tasting in London yesterday (14 November), where winemakers were celebrating a bumper harvest in 2023 and the knock-on effect, which has provided a boost to the world’s wine supply at a time when the global crush is at an all-time low.

Nc’nean Distillery receives government funding package

Independent Scotch whisky distiller Nc’nean has secured a Virgin Money funding package with the backing of the UK government to help grow the business in North American markets.