Napa Valley predicts exceptional vintage

Napa Valley winegrowers are predicting exceptional wines from this year's harvest, despite challenging growing conditions from the cooler than average temperatures.

Sterling slips, ahead of spending review

Sterling slipped across the board yesterday as weak UK factory orders caused concerns amongst investors ahead of today's government spending review.

Sweet wine drinkers can be best tasters, claims US report

Sweet wine drinkers can be amongst some of the best tasters and judges of wine, according to a new US report released today.

WSTA rejects calls for drinks ad restrictions

The trade has rejected calls from an alcohol charity for further restrictions on drinks advertising.

Cox awarded top honour from Chile

The Chilean government has bestowed the highest honour available to non-Chileans on UK director of Wines of Chile Michael Cox.

Sterling slips from near nine month high

Sterling slips from its near nine month high against the dollar in today's foreign exchange analysis from Smart Currency Exchange. If you would like to receive free bespoke currency advice then go to www.smartwinespirits.com.

Charities launch Alcohol Awareness Week

Alcohol Awareness Week has got under way with a call for a national enquiry into the way harmful drinking among parents impacts on their children.

Wines in the press - October 15-17

The Guardian

Currency update, October 18 - sterling hits high of $1.61

Sterling rose to the highest level against the US dollar since the end of January on Friday after Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said that low inflation gave a case for more intervention by the Federal Reserve.

Pernod Ricard sells New Zealand Wine brands

Pernod Ricard Group has sold some of its New Zealand Wine brands, including Lindauer, to a consortium of buyers from Lion Nathan and Indevin, for NZ $88 million (circa £42 million).

Glenfiddich launches adventurous campaign

Glenfiddich has announced the launch a global advertising campaign - One Day You Will.

Sunday Times salutes drinks businesses

Eight drinks businesses have been named among the 250 leading mid-market private companies by the Sunday Times.

6,300 pubs, bars and restaurants to close by 2015

A new report has predicted that 6,300 pubs, bars and restaurants will close by 2015.

Foreign Office's wine buying quango scrapped

Boardroom shake-up at Wetherspoons

A boardroom shake-up at Wetherspoons saw two directors step down from the 784-strong managed pub chain yesterday.

Greenall's invests £250,000 in production line

Gin and vodka maker Greenall's is investing £250,000 in the opening of a third production line at its Warrington headquarters.

Currency update, October 15 - sterling rises against dollar

Sterling rose to the highest level in eight months against the US dollar yesterday.

Dalmore Trinitas breaks six figure price barrier

The first bottle of whisky in the world to break the six figure price barrier is the 64 year old, Dalmore Trinitas.

Small firms question the value of social media

More than half of Britain's small to medium-sized businesses use social media, a new survey has found.

Currency update, October 14 - Sterling hits a five month low

Sterling hit a 5 month low against the euro on Wednesday as weak consumer confidence data and mixed employment data saw confidence in the pound drop.