Wines in the Press- February 5-7

Guardian

German Wine Institute launches intern initiative

The German Wine Institute (GWI) has launched an initiative aimed at giving young foreign wine industry professionals work experience at a top German wine estate.

Berrys predicts spectacular Bordeaux 2009

Bordeaux 2009 could be a "spectacular" vintage, according to Berry Bros & Rudd sales director Simon Staples, who has had exclusive access to some of the wines.

JF Hillebrand wins new retail contracts

JF Hillebrand, the specialist logistics provider to the beverage industry, has been awarded new contracts from two of the UK's largest retail chains.

Intercontinental Brands permitted to use Vodkat name

InterContinental Brands has been permitted by the High Court to continue using the Vodkat name, despite losing a legal battle against Diageo.

Villa Maria joins forces with Journeys of Distinction

Villa Maria has joined forces with the luxury travel company Journeys of Distinction, to put together a new wine holiday package to New Zealand.

Hallgarten Druitt takes on Oveja Negra

Hallgarten Druitt has been appointed by Maule-based winery VIA Wines to distribute its Oveja Negra brand.

GIV boss steps down after 14 years

Emilio Pedron, the 65 year-old boss of Gruppo Italiano Vini (GIV) is stepping down after fourteen years at the helm of Italy's biggest wine group.

Chase signs with Mangrove

The spirits portfolio of Herefordshire's Chase Distillery is to be handled by Mangrove, the specialist spirits division of Coe Vintners.

Sparkling line-up for LIWF Top 100

This year's Top 100 tasting at the London International Wine Fair will feature 30 sparkling wines and 70 "regional ambassadors" to mark the exhibition's 30th anniversary.

Berry Bros & Rudd sell Cutty Sark

South Africa reduces bottle weight

South Africa is lowering the weight of its wine bottles in a move to help reduce the industry's carbon footprint.

Rueda production up 5%

Rueda production increased by 5% in 2009, according to official data released by the Spanish wine region.

Whisky festival picks six of the best

More than 50 Speyside malts were tasted by a panel of expert judges at the first stage of its annual whisky competition.

First flavours for Diageo's Ciroc

Diageo has launched two flavoured versions of its Ciroc vodka.

Cockburn's of Leith rescued

The Cockburn's of Leith name will survive thanks to a deal between its administrators and Edinburgh Wine Importers.

California hit by UK decline

A decline in exports to the UK has contributed to a fall in California wine shipments for the first time in 16 years, according to data published this week in the USA.

Green charter for Bordeaux producers

Bordeaux wine consultant Olivier Dauga is launching a Green Winemaking Charter for producers in the region.

Consumers reassured on chemicals in wine

A new logo could soon be appearing on wine labels, assuring consumers that the product has only received minimal chemical treatments.

Wolf Blass launches sporting themed campaign

Wolf Blass is launching its largest ever £2 million, sporting themed campaign, which will run throughout 2010.