Wines of Chile pledge support for WSET

Wines of Chile has become a patron and sponsor for the Wine and Spirit Educational Trust (WSET).

Cameron pledges to tackle late-night binge-drinking

Conservative leader David Cameron, plans to tackle Britain's binge-drinking culture by cracking down on late-night businesses selling cut-price alcohol and increasing duty on high-strength drinks.

Biscaldi invests in Viru

Italian importers and exporters Biscaldi Luigi has purchased a stake in UK based Brand Independence, owner of Estonian beer Viru.

HwCg goes under

HwCg is the latest high-profile victim of the recession after being placed into administration. After months of speculation, the agency has confirmed its assets are being purchased by PLB.

DIAM reduces its carbon footprint

Closure producer, Oeneo Bouchage, has reduced the carbon footprint of its DIAM technical closure by 12 per cent, bringing it in line with natural cork.

Bordeaux Wine Council teams up with Lovefilm

The Bordeaux Wine Council and Lovefilm.com have teamed up with a number of major supermarkets in an a new promotional initiative.

Low alcohol wines on the agenda

Jancis Robinson MW is to host a new forum looking at the issue of low alcohol wines.

Low alcohol wines on the agenda

WSTA to host low alcohol wine forum

Creating a new category in wine, London, October 1st, 2009

The WSTA is to host a low alcohol wine forum bringing retailers and producers together to consider the potential for the category.

Speakers will include Dan Jago of Tesco, Andrea Ruggeri of Matthew Clark and Jeremy Beadles, WSTA.  Jancis Robinson MW will chair the event.

The forum will hear the latest market research from TFC Wines & Spirits and PLB, pointing to growing consumer demand for a wider range of lower alcohol wines.  It comes as European regulators have taken steps to remove some of the barriers preventing sales of wines made using new generation winemaking technologies.

The forum will consider the opportunities for lower alcohol wine, particularly in the light of ongoing sensible drinking campaigns and also reflect on some of the challenges still faced, including technical legislation and marketing rules.

Jeremy Beadles, Chief Executive of the WSTA, said: "Given the prevailing public agenda around healthy living it's timely for the trade to be sharing information and expertise on lower alcohol wines.  Some of the biggest names in the business are taking part and I hope this event will stimulate lively debate."


ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The WSTA is the UK lobbying organisation for the wine and spirit industry representing over 320 companies producing, importing, transporting and selling wines and spirits.
We campaign to promote the industry's interests with governments at home and abroad.
We work with our members to promote the responsible production, marketing and sale of alcohol.
For more information please contact Gavin Partington:
Tel:    +44 (0) 20 7089 3876
Mob:    +44 (0) 7966 014058
Email:  gavin@wsta.co.uk

Wines in the press - August 14-16

The Guardian

Whirrrr; or, more accurately, crunch-clack, isn't as satisfying as a pop, but increasingly this is the sound we hear when we open a wine bottle, says Victoria Moore.

Sloe Whisky wins a gold

Sloe Motion, the North Yorkshire family run Sloe Gin producing company, has won a national award for its Sloe Whisky.

The Portman Group appoints chairman

The alcohol and social responsibility body for drinks producers, the Portman Group has appointed Seymour Fortescue as its first external chairman.

Aldi's UK chief departs

Paul Foley, managing director of Aldi in the UK, has left the company with immediate effect after 20 years with the group.

Laithwaites Wine appoints head of wine UK

Laithwaites Wine has appointed former development manager of Direct Wines, Abi Hirshfeld as head of wine UK.

Absolut gets a new star studded cover

Wine Gang offers Rioja trip

The Wine Gang - the grouping of five leading wine critics - is offering a subscriber the chance to win a wine tasting holiday in Rioja.

Punters gamble on fine wine sales

A service which allows speculators to place bets on the performance of the fine wine industry has been launched.

Sake qualification for sommeliers

British sommeliers are to have the chance to gain a professional qualification in Japanese sake for the first time.

New Zealand Wine Fund sold

One of New Zealand's largest wine producing companies has been sold to an American business.

Wines in the press - August 7 - 9

The Guardian

Victoria Moore is talking about chilling light reds. " A good, light red that has been chilled for half an hour in the fridge is not only refreshing and joyful, it also possesses substance and intrigue that holds your attention beyond the first glass," she says.

Spanish wine exports fall in May

Spanish wine exports fell by around 11% in value and volume terms in May, according to figures released by the Spanish Tax Agency.