Hardys celebrates its 160th anniversary

Hardys is celebrating 160 years of winemaking with new launches and commemorative packaging.

Laithwaite's signs David Gower as brand ambassador

Laithwaite's Wine has announced ex-England cricket captain, David Gower, will take on the role of brand ambassador for the company.

McGuigan to release mature vintages of Bin Series 9000 Semillon

Speaking in London last night, Neil McGuigan, chief executive of Australian Vintage, announced that mature vintages of the McGuigan Bin Series 9000 Semillon will be released in the UK later in the year.

Ardbeg celebrates next limited edition release with Ardbog Day on June 1

Ardbeg, the single malt scotch whisky producer, has announced its latest limited edition whisky will be called Ardbog and is to host a special "Ardbog Day" on June 1 to celebrate its launch.

Trade praises absence of minimum pricing in Queen's speech

The government's decision not to include alcohol minimum pricing in the Queen's speech has been praised by the trade.

California Summit - Venue information

Penfolds releases Icon collection including 100 point 2008 Grange

Penfolds has launched its latest Icon and Luxury collection, including the release of the 100 point 2008 Grange vintage (RRP £500).

New managing director for Winery Exchange

Winery Exchange, the wines, beers and spirits own and private-label supplier has appointed Rufus Weston as the new managing director for its UK and European business.

Chile joins Great Wine Capitals

Valparaiso and nearby Casablanca Valley, Chile, is the tenth region to be added to the Great Wine Capitals network.

Les Vignobles Foncalieu to increase UK presence

Leading Languedoc producer Les Vignobles Foncalieu is planning to increase its UK investment to grow its Côtes du Rhône share further.

Bowmore launches limited-edition Tempest 4 whisky

Islay's first single malt whisky Bowmore has announced the launch of Tempest 4 this month.

Karuizawa 1960 released as Japan's oldest whisky

The Number One Drinks Company has just launched Karuizawa 1960, Japan's oldest and rarest whisky, at the Tokyo International Bar Show.

Domaine du Tariquet releases Marselan rosé

Domaine du Tariquet claims to be the first estate to grow the Marselan grape in Gascony in south west France, where the Grassa family decided to make their Marselan grapes into rosé in order to bring out the best primary fruit aromas.

Fells makes new appointments

Fells has announced the appointment of two additional members to its sales team.

Diageo chief executive to step down

Diageo chief executive Paul Walsh has announced he is to retire from the company and will be replaced by Ivan Menezes from July 1, 2013.

Talisker introduces new Port-finished single malt whisky

Talisker has introduced a new addition to its stable, Talisker Port Ruighe, named after the main town
on the Isle of Skye. This comes in the wake of the recent launch of Talisker Storm in March.
Enriched by double maturation in Port cask wood, Talisker Port Ruighe is a permanent addition to the current core range of Talisker single malt whiskies and is 45.8% abv.
"Talisker Port Ruighe is a combination of spirit that has been matured in American oak and European oak refill casks in the traditional manner, along with spirit that has been filled into specially conditioned deeply charred casks," said master blender Maureen Robinson. "The spirit is then finished in casks that have previously held Port wine which endows it with spicy fruit notes."
The whisky is available now to specialist whisky retailers in western Europe and has a premium rrp of 20%-25% above the Talisker 10 Year Old.
diageo.com

Boutinot hopes French charity ride can raise thousands for cancer research

Boutinot, the Manchester-based wine importer, is hoping to raise thousands of pounds for a cancer charity this month with a 410 bike ride from Champagne to Cairanne.

Vinho Verde tasting hits London in June

A Vinho Verde tasting, featuring wines from 23 producers from across the Portuguese region, is due to take place in London on June 4.

Bruno Kessler takes over presidency of Anivin to help drive the Vin de France category

Bruno Kessler has been voted the new president of French body, Anivin, that has helped spearhead the growth of the Vin de France wine category.

LIWF to rebrand as London Wine Fair and move to Olympia for 2014 show

A new-look London Wine Fair designed to engage and involve a greater breadth of the UK wine trade will return to central London in 2014, organiser Brintex has confirmed.