Harvest news - Europe harvests early, USA late

Harvest news - Europe harvests early, USA late

Fine wine prices drop due to summer break, says Bordeaux Index

Fine wine prices ended the month 4% lower after traders and chateaux took their traditional summer break, according to Bordeaux Index.

On-trade suffers more than off-trade as sales of alcohol fall

Sterling makes gains against the dollar

Sterling was flat against the euro yesterday, but gained by 0.4% against the US dollar.

Clem Yates awarded Master of Wine

Clem Yates, in-house winemaker for Sainsbury's and creator of its first range of Fairtrade Taste the Difference wines, has been awarded the title of Master of Wine.

Sir George Fistonich receives IWC Lifetime Achievement Award

Sir George Fistonich, owner and managing director of Villa Maria Estate, has received the International Wine Challenge Lifetime Achievement Award.

Brintex confirms LIWF 2012 to remain at ExCeL

Brintex, organisers of the London International Wine Fair, has announced it is to remain at ExCeL for 2012, after speculation the event might move back to central London.

Waitrose success at IWC awards

Waitrose and Majestic scooped the top gongs for best supermarket and high street retailers at this year's International Wine Challenge awards.

Sterling falls and UK retail sales data shows drop on last year

Sterling fell to a two month low against the US dollar yesterday, and data from the British Retail Consortium showed a 0.6% drop in retail sales compared to this time last year.

2011 MWs include M&S buyer and Sainsbury's winemaker

The Institute of Masters of Wine has announced its eleven new Masters of Wine MW, brings the total worldwide number to 300 for the first time in the title's history.

Blossom Hill launches £1.5m campaign

Percy Fox owned brand, Blossom Hill is launching a £1.5m press advertising campaign aimed at young women, in order to drive brand awareness and add value to the category.

Sterling hits low against US dollar

Sterling depreciated by 0.7% against the US dollar yesterday, hitting the lowest level since mid-July, but gained slightly against the euro.

Manchester Drinks puts nutritional and calorific content on packaging

Manchester Drinks has announced it is to put nutritional information and calorie content on its My Cocktail drinks packaging.

Managing director of Morgenrot dies, aged 47

Ray Flynn, managing director of The Morgenrot Group passed away last weekend aged 47, after a battle with cancer that was diagnosed earlier this year.

Sterling hits $1.6172/£1 low against dollar

Sterling hit a low against the dollar on Friday, as data showed a fall in UK construction activity- the slowest expansion since December 2010.

WSTA rubbishes link between off-licence density and underage drinking

The WSTA has rubbished claims from Alcohol Concern that there is a link between off-licence density and alcohol harms in under 18s.

Wines in the press - September 2-4

The Guardian

Diageo extends Christmas focus across winter

Diageo is moving its focus away from Christmas-themed advertising and promotions in favour of capitalising on the occasions when consumers drink from as early as September and right through to the New Year.

Bibendum to hold late night trade tasting

Bibendum is to host its first late night 9pm to 1am tasting to suit sommeliers and retailers who work in establishments with late opening hours.