UK sales of sparkling wines hit £1 billion for first time

Sales of sparking wines in the UK - excluding Champagne - hit £1 billion for the first time in 2015, according to figures released today by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association.

Good Provence 2015 harvest bolsters growing rosé market

The 2015 harvest in Provence produced 1.308 million hectolitres, according to the latest figures from the region's marketing body, the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins de Provence.

California, Oregon and Washington wines shine at Go West Tasting

At yesterday's Go West! annual tasting California, Oregon and Washington wines emphasised that wines from west coast of the USA are gaining traction in the UK market.

Skin Côntact reveals vocalists for eagerly anticipated comeback show

UK wine-trade supergroup Skin Côntact, which is reforming in aid of Wine Relief at London's Islington Academy on Thursday, May 12, has announced the names of the first five vocalists to appear with them.

Sicily takes control of its destiny

"Historically, the UK took Sicilian wine from northern bottlers in huge quantities," says Nick Bielak, director of Vinexus, whose agencies include the big Marsala-based co-op, Cantina Europa

Morrisons rings the changes

Morrisons' wine team is bucking the trend, with a revitalised range, rising sales and a collaborative approach to suppliers delivering awards and customer spend

Boutinot adds Cline Cellars to US portfolio

Leading on- and off-trade supplier Boutinot has added California's Cline Cellars to its US portfolio.

Q&A: In Pursuit of Balance

Five years on from co-founding In Pursuit of Balance, Jasmine Hirsch of Hirsch Vineyards and Rajat Parr of Domaine de la Côte and Sandhi talk about their vision for west coast Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

Mornington Peninsula wineries make waves with London walkabout tasting

Twelve winemakers from Australia's Mornington Peninsula are to offer a one-day masterclass and walkabout tasting of their wines in London.

Global trading platform for bulk-wine industry launched

This week sees the launch of a new web-based exchange for the global bulk-wine industry.

UK retains Champagne export crown as sales return to growth

The UK continued its unbroken reign as the world's largest Champagne export market in 2015, according to figures released today by the Comité Champagne.

Grand Cercle hosts first UK en primeur tasting for promising 2015 vintage

The Grand Cercle des Vins de Bordeaux is to hold its 2015 vintage tasting on Wednesday, March 23.

Hallgarten marks International Women's Day with Women With Bottle promotion

Leading UK distributor Hallgarten Druitt & Novum has launched a three-month promotion celebrating women winemakers to coincide with International Women's Day on March 8.

Bibendum PLB bolsters US portfolio with four new wineries

The Bibendum PLB Group has announced the addition of four boutique US wineries to its portfolio ahead of the Go West tasting in London this week.

Grain versus grape: the rise of craft beer

"Stick a cork in it. Wine is done," declared the New York Daily News back in 2013. "Fancy beers in oversize bottles are the hottest items on drink lists at swank restaurants and bars across the city." 

Taking a break from the mainstream

It's often said that Champagne sales are a pretty accurate economic barometer, their fluctuations closely matching the financial health of the nation, fast charting out the highs and lows of boom and bust.

Profile: Denis O'Flynn, Pernod Ricard

intDenis O'Flynn, managing director of Pernod Ricard, brings with him a clear strategy, an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for the industry - what could be better?

ITV launches 13-part series on wine

ITV is to air an exclusive new series exploring the world of wine, to be hosted by actors Matthew Goode and Matthew Rhys.

The problem with mark-up madness in the on-trade

I love Riesling. I'll always buy it in the supermarket, I will always look out for it in restaurants and I'll always seek it out wherever I go.

Flint Wines to showcase extensive new Italian portfolio at annual tasting