VIDEO: Gerard Basset on the role of a sommelier??

Health secretary gives drinks trade his backing over Responsibility Deal

The new health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, has bolstered the drinks industry's spirits by giving its contribution to the Responsibility Deal his seal of approval.

New Thierry's owner moves to reassure wine suppliers

The new owner of Thierry's - now Watermill Wines - has moved to reassure suppliers he will do the best he can to pay their outstanding bills.

Harvest news - sustainable irrigation system aids TWP vintage

A sustainable irrigation system linked to a reservoir made a significant difference to this year's harvest, according to winemaker Stefano Girelli.

Top-end bubbly hits all-time high

Sales of top-end fizz have hit record highs as consumers "tired of austerity" splash out on affordable luxuries, according to leading trade players.

Olivier Dauga expands Prix Raisin award

Bordeaux wine consultant Olivier Dauga has announced that his Prix Raisin award will be increased to include marketing and financial services in 2013.

Leading Champagne houses hopeful about 2012 vintage

Perrier-Jouët has likened early results of this year's harvest to the 2004 vintage, while G.H.Mumm has declared it is "cautiously optimistic" now the grapes have been gathered and pressed.

Dror Nativ leaves Sainsbury's for M&S

Sainsbury's is to lose another high profile member of its BWS team as Dror Nativ leaves to join Marks & Spencer.

Balblair launches limited edition 1969 vintage

Pub and restaurant sales dip by 1.7%

Pub and restaurant sales dipped in October with collective like-for-like sales down 1.7% on the same month last year, according to the Coffer Peach Business Tracker.

Roberson Wine launches wine club

Roberson Wine has launched its new wine club ahead of the Christmas period that offers first hand access to members of its best wines and other benefits.

Wines in the press, November 8-12

The Guardian

Ooberstock lists Diageo and C&C Group brands

Online Amazon-style wholesaler Ooberstock has bumped up its portfolio with brands from Diageo, and UK cider company the C&C Group.

Origin Wine extends Fairtrade project

Origin Wine is launching a new Fairtrade project with South Africa's Brandvlei Cooperative in a bid to extend its range and benefit the local community.

Laithwaite's to expand Turkish wine offering following EWBC

Laithwaite's Wine is keen to expand its Turkish wine offering on the back of the European Wine Bloggers Conference which took place in Izmir over the weekend.

Waitrose's Diana Hunter appointed to head up Bargain Booze

Off-licence and convenience store chain Bargain Booze has appointed Waitrose's director of convenience, Diana Hunter, as its new chief executive.

Waverley collapse leaves drinks trade short £40.5 million

Drinks distributor WaverleyTBS collapsed owing £64.6 million to unsecured creditors, with trade creditors facing losses of £40.5 million.

The Whisky Shop launches flagship London store

The Whisky Shop is launching its flagship store in London's Piccadilly with the aim of taking high street whisky retailing to a new level.

IBD and SIBA launch microbrewery qualification

The Institute of Brewing & Distilling (IBD) and the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) have launched a new brewing qualification, in response to the growth in microbreweries.

Stop telling consumers 90 per cent of wines they drink are 'crap' warns Wilson

Telling consumers that 90% of wines they drink are "crap" is hardly the best way to attract new drinkers to the category, according to Damien Wilson of the Burgundy School of Business.