Consumer confidence hits a six year high

Consumer confidence has jumped to its highest level since 2007, according to new figures released by Nielsen.

Average French bottle of wine now sells for £6.20 says France Summit

The average bottle of French wine in the UK off-trade sold for £6.10 in the 12 weeks up to October 22 compared to the market average of £5.24, according to figures released at last week's inaugural Harpers France Summit in London.

Relationship between winemakers and wine "lovers" is like a "bad marriage"

The relationship between winemakers and wine lovers is like a bad marriage with a major disconnect between the two, according to wine consultant Clark Smith.

Is Barriques d'Or' auction set to break the record this year?

The 12^th edition of the 'Barriques d'Or' auction is to take place on November 4, in South West France where the trade will bid on a total of 13 of the best barrels of 2012 Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh.

Bristol restaurant creates Moët Champagne bar

Bristol restaurant Casamia has teamed up with Moët & Chandon to create a Grand Vintage Champagne bar. The bar is made from solid French oak and it is to serve the 2004, 1999 rosé, 1990 Brut, 1952 and 1972 in Magnum - all of which will be available by the glass.

EWGA announces double-digit distribution growth for Bodega Riojanas

Lancashire-based independent wholesaler EWGA, has announced a 40% increase in distribution for its brand Bodega Riojanas since it took over from Boutinot earlier in the year.

Jancis Robinson MW gives her backing for formal wine education

Jancis Robinson OBE MW has given her backing for structured formal wine education at a special event for Diploma graduates of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust in New York.

Wine industry's inability to understand consumers is "preventing" many from liking wine

The wine industry is "preventing" the average consumer from fully "understanding and liking" wine as it has no idea how to communicate with them, according to Tim Hanni MW speaking at the Digital Wine Communications Conference this weekend.

Wine Car Boot launches second indie event.

The second Wine Car Boot is to be held in London next month in a bid to encourage visitors to "taste their way out of the supermarket".

Key for future sales is teaching next generation about the language of taste

If the wine industry is to attract new consumers to the category it should look to work with the education sector in teaching children about the language of taste and understanding what different tastes are.

Climate change could render wine countries unfit for growth

Climate change could see large swathes of the world's current wine-producing countries become unsuitable for growing grapes by 2050, according to a debate at today's Digital Wine Communications Conference.

Beach Rescue Project deemed a success for Barefoot Wines

Californian wine brand Barefoot Wine has cleaned over 50 UK beaches in its five-year history - including 14 this year.

Negociants UK to help widen distribution for Sam Neill's Two Paddocks wines in the UK

Negociants UK has taken on the widespread distribution for the premium Two Paddocks range of wines from Central Otago, New Zealand, produced by actor Sam Neill.

Château Haut-Gléon to open its gates to tourists

Southern French wine co-operative Les Vignobles Foncalieu is opening its Château Haut-Gléon vineyards as a wine tourism destination.

Pernod Ricard and Diageo report mixed figures for first quarter performance

First quarter results issued this week have revealed mixed fortunes for the sector's major drinks companies with Pernod Ricard posting an organic net sales loss of 1%, whilst Diageo returned an organic net sales growth of 3.1%.

Taylor's Port renews sponsorship deal with Jazz FM

Taylor's Port returned yesterday as the headline sponsor to Jazz FM's Dinner Jazz programme for 26 weeks after its successful run last year.

Champagne Piper-Heidsieck releases festive gift packs

Piper-Heidsieck has released a gift box range featuring three of its Champagnes, aimed at the Christmas market.

Origin Wine hires Phil Reedman MW to cover Australia

Leading UK wine trade figures head to London for first France Summit

Leading figures from across the UK wine trade will be attending tomorrow's inaugural Harpers France Summit that will look at how well the industry is sourcing, promoting and selling French wine across the on and off-trades.

EU and Canada trade agreement will benefit UK wine and spirits

Negotiations concluded last week for a Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) between the European Union and Canada, which will help UK distillers and wine producers import and compete more easily in Canada.