CIVB launches first Bordeaux Wine Month alongside PR shake-up

The official Bordeaux wine body has announced a number of initiatives lined up for the UK for 2018, including an official Bordeaux Wine Month to run in UK independents throughout the month of June.

Tim Atkin MW: Day Zero looms for South Africa

“Day Zero” sounds like the title of a dystopian disaster movie, starring Matt Damon or an ageing Bruce Willis perhaps. But what’s happening in South Africa right now has nothing to do with fantasy or fiction. On the contrary, it’s all too real. If you’ve not been reading the news from Cape Town recently, the city is about to run out of water. On January 18, the city’s mayor, Patricia de Lille, said that the “point of no return” had been reached and that, if things continue as they are with little or no rainfall, by April 12 (Day Zero), the taps will be turned off.

CA Grand Crus appoints commercial director for Santenay

CA Grand Crus has appointed Stéphane Charreyron as commercial director of Château de Santenay.

Calabria promotes Emma Norbiato to chief winemaker

Australian winery Calabria has promoted Emma Norbiato to the role of chief winemaker.

WSTA strengthens board with two new appointments

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has added two new members to its board - Tesco’s commercial director, Kari Daniels and The Wine society’s Robin McMillan.

Smarter moves: Spotlight on Vivino

Jo Gilbert caught up with Heini Zachariassen, founder of the world’s most downloaded wine app Vivino, on how it has made the leap from information-sharing platform to marketplace

UK alcohol prices the fourth most expensive in Europe

Britain has been revealed as the fourth most expensive country in Europe when it comes to alcohol.

Frizzenti expands on tap offering with cocktails

Justerini & Brooks takes on distribution of Swartland producer David & Nadia

Justerini & Brooks has signed a deal as UK distributor for Swartland producer David & Nadia.

Mar de Frades appoints Enotria & Coe as UK distributor

Mar de Frades, the Albariño-specialising Rías Baixas sister to Rioja’s Ramón Bilbao, has appointed Enotria & Coe as its UK distributor with immediate effect taking over from Cellar Trends.

Dark Horse posts ‘outstanding’ UK performance

E&J Gallo has reported a 54% hike in UK sales of its Dark Horse Californian wine brand for the year ending 31 December, 2017.   

The indie retailer where the customer is king

With a no-nonsense attitude to wine retailing and a true focus on the customers’ needs, The Vineking in Surrey is approaching 2018 with a renewed focus. Lisa Riley reports

‘Time running out’ for wine & spirits free trade warns WTSA

Representatives from the UK and European drinks industries have called on politicians to ensure the cross border free trade of wine & spirits remains post Brexit.

Sichel’s sales to China surge by 15%

Bordeaux winemaker Sichel’s exports to China surged 15% in 2017 as Chinese demand for French wine continues to explode.

Barolo producer Alessandro Rivetto acquires Barbaresco DOCG vineyards

Azienda Agricola Alessandro Rivetto, a winery producing Barolo from the plots within the municipality of Serralunga d’Alba, has invested in another Langhe wine - Barbaresco DOCG.

Cellar Trends wins global health & safety standard

Cellar Trends has been certified by a global consumer protection agency for meeting a set of stringent quality, safety and traceability standards.

Cult Wines appoints new finance director

Cult Wines, investment manager in fine and rare wine, has appointed a new finance director to assist the company’s next phase of expansion.

Former JP Morgan man Chris Hancock steps up as Wine Intelligence chairman

Market research consultancy Wine Intelligence has appointed chartered accountant Chris Hancock as its chairman.

Tre Bicchieri heads to London

As UK sales of Italian wine continue to boom, some of Italy’s top winemakers are converging in London next week for Tre Bicchieri Grand Tasting.

Rousset heads to Champagne for first in wine tour series

Master sommelier and restaurateur Xavier Rousset is preparing to host a guided tour of Champagne that will include tastings, blending sessions and access to the region’s most prestigious producers.