Nik Darlington plays out the World Cup for real - with the world of wine

You could cut the tension with a grissino. The shoot-out was tied at 2-2, both sides' fans on tenterhooks.

Tour de France celebrates with Champagne de Castelnau

As parts of the UK brace themselves for the start of the gruelling Tour de France cycle race that starts in Yorkshire on July 5, Champagne de Castelnau has introduced this very appropriate limited edition Champagne.

Christian Seely shows the quality of the Douro with a vertical tasting of Quinta do Noval

Christian Seely's contention that the Quinta do Noval vineyards are producing outstanding dry red table wines was vindicated at a mid-summer vertical tasting in London. The flamboyant, bow-tie- wearing managing director of the leading port house has always believed that unfortified wines from the Douro had the potential to express Noval's terroir. A look at the estate's three dry reds - Quinta do Noval Douro DOC,  Cedro do Noval and Quinta do Noval Touriga Nacional - between the period 2004-11 supported that view.

Edrington Group profits and turnover rise due to whisky boom

The Edrington Group, the Scottish maker of The Macallan, Famous Grouse, Cutty Sark, and Highland Park whiskies, saw profits rise by 3% and turnover hit £730.4 million for fiscal year 2014 which ended on March 31.

Treasury Wine Estates appoints Coca-Cola exec to lead Asia and Europe

Mentzendorff boosts premium Australian wine range with Kilikanoon

Mentzendorff is looking to ramp up its premium Australian wine offering and has taken on distribution of Clare Valley's Kilikanoon as a first step.

Australian wine legend, Doug Lehmann, dies a year after his father Peter

Doug Lehmann, one of the charismatic figures in the Australian wine trade, has died over the weekend aged 62.

Major global speakers lined up for Wine Vision 2014

An international line up of major global wine players is being built up for the second Wine Vision event, being run in association with Harpers, in London between November 17 and 19.

UK wine buyers more cautious to try new ideas than in Europe says Origin's Bernard Fontannaz

It is easier to convince retail buyers in Europe to take on new wine ideas and designs than it is in the UK, according to Bernard Fontannaz, founder of Origin Wines.

Provence's Ventoux is 'about more than entry-level co-op table wines', says winemaker

Provence's Ventoux region has more to offer than entry-level co-operative grown table wines, and quality rivals its Côtes du Rhône neighbours, claims a winemaker from the region.

Chilean winemakers see overall production down 15-20%

Chilean winemakers are suffering losses of up to 15% on their red wine volumes caused by vine damage, coming after frost decimated white grapes by up to 55%. Mario Pablo Silva, managing director of Chile's Casa Silva winery, said the frost had two different impacts - decimating white grapes and damaging vines in longer term leading to lower volumes of red grapes. 

Penfolds to push back Bin, Icon and Luxury wines to one combined release in October

Burgundy needs two strong harvests to ease stocks and prices

Burgundy needs two strong harvests to get stocks back on track and stabilise prices, says Will Oatley, managing director of Louis Latour Agencies.

French winemakers worry .wine domain names will confuse consumers

Ex Codorníu boss Nick Mantella moves to United Wineries

Nick Mantella, former Codorníu boss, has taken a new role as business development director at United Wineries.

Australia must continue to push its premium wines, says Negociants

"There will always be cheap wine in the market - that shouldn't detract or deviate the Australian wine industry from its premium message", says Negociants managing director Simon Thorpe MW.

Isabelle Legeron MW publishes comprehensive guide to natural wine

Isabelle Legeron MW has produced a comprehensive guide to natural wine bringing together not only a detailed examination of what natural wine is, but a country by country, producer by producer guide to the wines and styles that newcomers and enthusiasts should be looking to drink.

Jose Cuervo tequila launches Tradicional Silver in UK

Jose Cuervo tequila is launching its Tradicional Silver, a spicy 100% agave Blanco tequila to the UK market for the first time.

Jackson Family Wines expands Oregon holdings

Jackson Family Wines has appointed key staff to its new Willamette Valley winery in Oregon, one year after it bought to 220-acre vineyard.

Diageo launches special edition Tanqueray Old Tom gin

Diageo has launched limited edition Tanqueray Old Tom gin, drawing on an original recipe from its founder and bridging the gap between malty Dutch genevers and London Dry gins.