Ports, sherries and fortifieds get ready for Christmas

The tapas craze helped boost sherry sales temporarily but the category is now in decline, and Port is still struggling to shake its fusty and festive image. Gemma McKenna and Erin Smith look at how fortified wines can carve a niche

Codorníu Raventós appoints senior Percy Fox exec to head UK business

John Hearn, global commercial director for Diageo's wine arm Percy Fox, is to become the new managing director of Codorníu Raventós in the UK.

Pablo Alvarez, Vega Sicilia, on the global opportunity for Ribera del Duero wines

Vega Sicilia was established in 1859, although its modern history began with the property's purchase by the Alvarez family in 1982, who acquired the estate as joint shareholders. Patriarch David Alvarez subsequently appointed his son Pablo as managing director of the property. Since the mid-1980s, Pablo Alvarez has ensured that Vega Sicilia remains Ribera Del Duero's most renowned and prestigious wine, for sale in over 25 markets. With Alvarez's careful direction, the property has managed to overcome both the Spanish economic crisis and endure a family feud over the future of the estate, in addition to investing in the regions of Rioja and Toro. James Lawrence reports:

Ribera del Duero should shun powerful wines for more classic style says Pingus founder

The biggest threat to the future of wines from the Ribera Del Duero is consumers turning their back on the signature ripe and powerful style of the region, according to Pingus founder Peter Sisseck.

Wine importer Red Squirrel sees wholesale business grow fivefold in three months

Chiswick wine importer Red Squirrel Wine has seen its wholesale business take off after it beefed up its portfolio and revamped its logo and website.

French bulk market 'tense' in face of Languedoc shortages

The French bulk wine market is starting to look "very tense", according to one top broker, following major shortages in the Languedoc region.

Spain's wine industry must restructure but avoid 'trashing vinous treasures', warns MW

Spain has to be very careful not to trash its vinous treasures, warned Justin Knock MW, as the country faces a restructure following a wine glut.

Sangre de Toro wine gets design revamp for 60th birthday

Bodegas Torres has relaunched its famed Sangre de Toro brand with a sleeker design that harks back to the wine's 1950s origins.

Ribera del Duero wine region ramps up UK activity

Spain's Ribera del Duero wine region is looking to raise its profile in the UK with the launch of its first promotional campaign in this country.

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Wines from Rioja | Tasting set for September 30

If you think you know Rioja, then perhaps it's time to think again. The annual Wines from Rioja Trade Tasting is back with a bang this autumn, on September 30, building on the success of its inaugural London event, with a mission to demonstrate the diversity and quality coming out of the region.

Wine trade identifies major opportunities for 2014

The relaunch of the 3 for £10 mechanic; a major crisis in the Spanish bulk wine industry and the growing prominence of fruit-flavoured wines were all chosen as major stories of the year to date by some of the wine trade's top names.

Back to School: Anya Robson of Murphy Wine Company

As part of our ongoing Back to School series, Anya Robson of bulk wine broker Murphy Wine Company reckons Spain's bulk industry is in crisis and tips South African rosé as one to watch.

Back to School: Felix Solis UK MD Richard Cochrane

Felix Solis UK managing director Richard Cochrane says the end and restart of the 3 for £10 mechanic was a landmark for the UK wine trade, and reckons further consolidation is on the cards. 

Is Spain's bulk wine industry in crisis?

'Normal' vintage kicks off in Spain as government moves to curb last year's excess

The first grapes of the 2014 crop are being harvested in Spain, with winemakers predicting a "normal" sized vintage of between 42 and 45 million hectolitres.

Alliance Wine adds Celler del Roure to wine list

Alliance Wine has boosted its Spanish portfolio with the addition of boutique Valencian producer Celler del Roure.

Jeremy Rockett leaves González Byass GB after 10 years

González Byass GB marketing director Jeremy Rockett has left the business after 10 years of service.

Spanish wines hit shelves at rock bottom prices to clear stock

Spanish wines will start hitting shelves at rock bottom prices of below £3.99 as exports drop by 3% in value despite increasing by 17% in volume.

Wines From Spain Awards 2014 winners announced

Wines From Spain Awards 2014 announced the 102 winners of its annual competition where over 700 Spanish wines were tasted by the judging panel headed up by Tim Atkin MW.