Blog 4: Mario Pablo Silva, managing director Vina Casa Silva

Blog number four from Mario Pablo Silva, managing director of Viña Casa Silva March 16 2009, Colchagua Valley, Chile

Diageo Introduces New Pimm's Half Bottle

Diageo Great Britain is to introduce a new 35cl bottle of Pimm's and will put greater emphasis on the Pimm's "keggy" as part of its "Bring Home the Spirit of Summer," campaign.

Rollout for Pimm's keg

Diageo GB is rolling out its pre-mixed keg version of Pimm's and lemonade tested in the on-trade last summer.

En primeur over a barrel

British importers are threatening to turn their backs on Bordeaux blue chip claret this year following the "biggest impasse on pricing" in living memory.

Thierry's to showcase producers

The UK's largest importer of French wines is preparing to showcase its key producers at this year's France Under One Roof tasting in London.

Wines in the press, March 14-15

What our national wine critics had to say for the weekend of March 14-15

Drinks chiefs meet Mandelson and Chancellor

The chairmen of the UK's major drinks industry trade associations have discussed the deepening crisis within the trade with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Business Secretary Lord Mandelson.

Premium wines for Arniston

South African wine brand Arniston Bay has released a premium version on the UK market.

Wine Relief raises £150,000

Wine Relief was boosted by £150,000 this year with a charity dinner, auction, wine sales and sponsored diet.

Trade leaders meet Darling and Mandelson

The chairmen of the five leading drinks trade bodies held meetings with Chancellor Alistair Darling and Business Secretary Lord Mandelson on Monday, urging them to abandon the planned duty increase in April.

Adamson to switch to Craggy Range's European sales role

Warren Adamson, who heads up New Zealand Winegrowers in the UK and Europe, is to become European sales director for  New Zealand's Craggy Range Vineyards, replacing Michael Henley.

New Director for Wine Australia

The Australian Wine & Brandy Corporation (Wine Australia) have announced the appointment of Lisa McGovern to the new role of Regional Director of UK, Ireland and Europe, to be based at Australia House in London and effective from the April 6.

Scotch tours worth £25m

Tourists spent 12.2% more visiting Scotch whisky distilleries in 2008 than they did the year before.

Tourists spent 12.2% more visiting Scotch whisky distilleries in 2008 than they did the year before.

Distillery tours boosted the Scottish economy by £25 million, according to Scotland Whisky, the whisky tourism organisation.

Minimum drinks prices - in England and Wales

Plans for minimum drinks prices in England and Wales could mean spirits priced at least £14 a bottle and some wines upwards of £5.40.

Paragon Vintners to close

Paragon Vintners is to cease trading after its parent company, Angostura Suisse, has decided to exit the UK wine distribution business.

Consumers slash wine spending

Over one third of UK consumers have slashed spending on wine or have opted for bargain bottles, according to the latest research from the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA).

SABMiller in China expansion

Brewing giants SABMiller has acquired one of China's largest breweries in a $42 million joint venture that will expand its influence in one of the world's most lucrative markets.

Minimum price plans could flout Euro law

Radical plans by the Scottish government to introduce a minimum price for alcohol could almost certainly fall foul of European law, it has been claimed by legal experts.

Alcohol helps to boost Waitrose sales

Alcohol sales were one of the few highlights of Waitrose's trading year in 2008.

Morrison races ahead

Morrison march up the retailing ladder continues with like-for-like sales up 7.9%, well ahead of its rivals, and total sales up 12% to £14.5 billion for the year to the end of February.