Fortified wine producers celebrate victory over 100ml measures

Published: 10 January, 2011

Port and sherry producers are breathing a sigh of relief following a reprieve for 100ml servings of their products.

Draft legislation proposed by the government threatened to restrict measures to 50ml or 70ml, despite the tradition of offering fortified wine in 100ml servings.

The issue was highlighted by Gonzalez Byass and the Wine & Spirit Trade Association, which expressed concerns to the National Measurements Office.

WSTA chief executive Jeremy Beadles said: "We're pleased the National Measurements Office has responded positively to the concerns we raised.

"This flexibility will allow different fortified wines to be served in appropriate measures and, along with the move on 'sample' size wine servings, offers some much needed deregulation that the whole trade can welcome."

The new regulations, taking effect from October, will also permit smaller servings of wine to allow samples to be sold and allow the 'schooner' two-third pint measure for beer and cider.

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