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The week that was

Top Stories: Californian staple Echo Falls announced another big change in direction this week, stepping across from fusion wine into the flavoured spirits category.

Also from California, we reported on the stellar support from Naked Wines and its supporters who have collectively raised $500,000 for the relief effort.

Meanwhile in Europe, we looked at how crémant production is ramping up in Bordeaux – where the number of producers making crémant is believed to have doubled in three years – and the stars from this year’s Rioja Recognises.

• Echo Falls launches vodka to replicate success of Fruit Fusions in the spirits aisle
• LWC Drinks acquires HT White & Co
• Naked Wines raises $500,000 for California fire relief
• Crémant production fizzes in Bordeaux
• Frizzenti founder embarks on ‘direct from winery to tap’ portal venture
• Rioja Recognises announces this year’s winners

Show Stoppers:  Wine exhibitions are big business, drawing buyers from across the world with the promise of making new connections and discovering business opportunities.

As we enter into the second half of 2017, organisers of the big events are looking at how to refine their offering into to 2018 and beyond.

This includes Vinexpo, which is heading to Paris in 2019, and the London Wine Fair which is looking internally to celebrate the products grown on home turf.

• Vinexpo Paris scheduled for 2020
• LWF reveals spotlight on UK drinks
• Vinisud and Vinovision join forces

Analysis and Insights: A pretty diverse range of stories this week which straddled everything from technology driving frost prevention methods in the vineyard, to Vermouth and the wines sure to pack a punch this Christmas.

• Vermouth: Herbal Remedy
• Languedoc standing strong
• The battle against frost
• Trade prepares for premium push on Christmas wines

People and Opinion: This week we caught up with industry stalwart David Cox ahead of his retirement and columnist Tim Aktin MW dissected the recent sale of Clos de Tart.

We also got up close and personal with the buying team from The Wine Society to see what makes them tick.

• Tim Atkin MW: Rich pickings for the vineyards of Burgundy
• Meet the buyers: The Wine Society 
• Q&A: David Cox, chief executive, The Benevolent