Three Spanish wine producers join forces to offer ‘unique’ wines

Three Spanish wine producers have joined forces to offer UK wholesalers, on-trade operators and independents an opportunity to source a unique portfolio of wine from the country.

Bacardi completes Patrón acquisition

Bacardi has completed the acquisition of premium tequila producer Patrón Spirits International.

McGuigan expands Black Label with first sparkling wines

McGuigan Wines has expanded its Black Label portfolio with three sparkling wines, including a red variant, marking the first fizz to join the range.

WoodWinters makes waves in the Big Smoke

Establishing a wholesale presence in London, opening new and improved operations in Scotland and setting up a distillery, it’s all go for WoodWinters. Lisa Riley reports

Vins de Bordeaux gears up for spring with trade tasting series

Vins de Bordeaux has revealed it is launching a series of educational tastings especially created for wine trade professionals.

Sainsbury’s and Asda confirm £12bn merger and hint at 10% price cuts

Sainsbury’s and Asda have confirmed they are to merge creating a supermarket powerhouse with combined revenues of £51 billion, overtaking Tesco as the number one player in the sector.

Provence 2017 wine production slumps 12% as quality rises

Wine output from Provence slumped by 12% or 21 million bottles in 2017 following harsh late frosts, according to the region’s winemakers.

Rioja 2017 vintage scarce but ‘very good’

The Rioja 2017 vintage has been awarded an official ‘very good’ rating by the Rioja Control Board.

Castelnau launches second Hors Catégorie cuvée as it looks to double sales

Champagne Castelnau last night launched Hors Catégorie cuvée - the second prestige cuvée to be released as part of the premium collection.

WSET reveals new and enhanced qualifications

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has improved its educational programme with a new spirits qualification in addition to enhancing two of its existing courses.

Borough Wines teams up with Burmese resturant Lahpet

Digby’s cool climate fizz makes first foray into Scotland

Digby Fine English has made its first foray into Scotland via an exclusive distribution deal with Alexander Wines.

Dedicated Old World red wine subscription business launches

An online subscription wine club has been launched with a sole focus on Old World red wines.

The Benevolent to hold mental health discussion at LWF

Trade charity The Benevolent has joined forces with the London Wine Fair (LWF) to present a panel discussion on mental health at this year’s event.

Chapel Down wine sales soar

Chapel Down has reported a 20% increase in its wine sales alongside a 7% increase for its associated Curious Drinks beer and cider arm.

Kentish wineries partner with Visit Kent to launch wine tourism initiative

Seven Kentish wineries have partnered with Visit Kent to launch a new wine tourism initiative – The Wine Garden of England.

Members of South Africa’s Old Vine Project now able to put heritage seal on bottles

Members of South Africa’s Old Vine Project (OVP) have been given the clear to put a Certified Heritage Vineyards (CHV) seal on wine bottles made from vineyards that are 35 years old (or older).

Armit Wines appoints new ‘head of London sales’

Armit Wines has appointed a new ‘head of London sales’ as part of a strategy to grow its customer base in the capital.

Pernod Ricard reports strong organic sales growth

Pernod Ricard has reported a rise in organic Q3 sales boosted by strong performances in China and the US.

Combinations target ‘promiscuous’ drinkers

The mixed drink is opening up all manner of avenues for producers and consumers alike, but how compatible are some of these hybrids? By Lisa Riley