Wines in the press- Dec 30- Jan 2

The Guardian
Was 2011 a good year or a bad year for wine? Asks Fiona Beckett.

Sterling- stable start to 2012

Sterling has started the new year much where it left off, hovering just under €1.20/£1 against the euro and at $1.5570/£1 against the US dollar.

Cameron 'keen on minimum alcohol pricing'

The minimum pricing debate has taken an unexpected twist with reports that David Cameron has ordered officials to draw up plans for an English version of the scheme.

Reality check for Bordeaux prices

Bordeaux prices could be approaching a reality check in 2012, according to experts.

Geoffrey Dean blog: Nicolas Feuillatte - Champagne? What crisis?

Crisis? What crisis? The Eurozone may be facing one, and the UK may be
in recession, but Champagne sales within the EU are up by 4.2% for
this year. Russia, China and Brazil have all been driving bubbly
consumption higher. Although discounting has played a part, UK
retailers report higher demand for Champagne and sparkling wines over
Christmas and New Year. Waitrose revealed a 26% rise in sales on last year, with Marks & Spencer managing 25% more.

CA Grand Crus expands into Burgundy with Chateau de Santenay acquisition

CA Grands Crus, the subsidiary of Credit Agricole, has added to
its strong portfolio of Bordeaux estates with the acquisition of
Chateau de Santenay in Burgundy. The purchase gives the French retail
banking giant some 90 hectares of various Burgundian parcels from
entry level standard to Grand Cru status, a fifth of a hectare having
been taken up in Clos de Vougeot.

Sterling remains steady at market quietens for Xmas

Sterling had a steady day against most currencies yesterday as the market quietens in the build up to Christmas.

Online shopping poses threat to January sales

It is estimated that up to £186 million could be spent online on Christmas day, as shoppers try to get ahead of high street January sales, according to online retail platform Shopow.

Invivo partners Drake & Morgan in New Year lower calorie drinks promo

Kiwi winery Invivo is partnering with London bar group, Drake & Morgan to promote its lower calorie Bella by Invivo, as part of the bar's "skinny cocktail menu".

Tagus Creek to expand into international market

Portuguese wine brand Tagus Creek is set for further international expansion, on the back of its 50% volume growth.

Russia's accession to World Trade Organisation, set to boost whisky exports

Sterling hits 11 month high against euro

Sterling hit the highest level against the euro since January 2011, breaking through €1.20/£1 and hitting a high of €1.2043/£1.

Sterling jumps to 11 month high against euro

Sterling jumped to an 11 month high against the euro yesterday as investors scrambled to buy the pound.

Retailers should tailor Xmas promos to local level, says IGD

Tailoring the customer experience at a local level and focusing on innovation, is the advice given to retailers on the run up to Christmas by market research company, IGD.

Legal challenge expected over alcohol pricing plan

The Scottish government has admitted it expects a legal challenge to its plans to introduce minimum pricing for alcohol.

Fake Blossom Hill alert in Scotland

Fake Blossom Hill has been found on sale in Scotland.

Burgundy Wine Board cancels annual UK tasting

The Burgundy Wine Board has cancelled its UK-based generic tasting in 2012 following feedback from the British trade and Burgundy producers.

Tesco to engage with consumer via online wine community

Tesco is ramping up its consumer engagement outside of the supermarket aisles, with the launch of an online wine community.

Portman Group extends Code of Practice response deadline

The Portman Group is extending the deadline for responses to its consultation on the Code of Practice for responsible alcohol marketing until January 31, 2012.

Sterling continues to hold ground against euro

Sterling continued to hover around a 10 month high against the euro as investors favour sterling to the ailing single currency.