UK's sky high drinks tax helping Italy win fizz war

With England due to take on Italy in the Six Nations Rugby tournament on Sunday, the Wine & Spirits Trade Association is using the occasion to highlight the disparity in tax rates between the two nation's drinkers.

Pernod Ricard outperforms Diageo with solid half-year profit growth

Global drinks giant Pernod Ricard has reported solid growth in the first half of its financial year 2015/16, with organic sales up 3% to £3.9 billion.

Amazon goes old-tech with sommelier phoneline

Online retail giant Amazon is trialing what it is describing as a sommelier service for its customers in Japan.

Rioja winery CVNE hosts major Caro exhibition

Leading family-owned Rioja winery, Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana, is to host an exhibition by British scultor Sir Anthony Caro at its Cune Winery in Haro this year.

Weak euro offsets ongoing slide in French wine and spirits exports

The ongoing weakness of the euro in the global currency markets has proved a boon for makers of wine and spirits in France, according to figures released by the Fédération des Exportateurs de Vins et Spiritueux de France.

Washington State's Charles Smith winery launches Italian range

Washington State's Charles Smith Wines is marking its tenth anniversary with the launch of a new range of Italian-varietal wines.

Wine world prepares for Vinisud 2016

Over 1,700 exhibitors will converge on Montpellier next week for Vinisud, the biennial International Mediterranean Wines and Spirits Exhibition.

Chile's Viña Ventisquero in on-trade push with brand ambassador hire

Leading Chilean winery Viña Ventisquero has appointed sommelier Janina Doyle as its UK brand ambassador.

Jancis Robinson launches online wine course with half-price offer

Jancis Robinson has partnered with online learning agency Electric Academy to develop a wine course which promises to give even beginners an understanding of wine in a single evening.

Rioja strategy bears fruit as domestic sales strengthen

Sales of Rioja hit a record 388 million bottles in 2015, with domestic growth for the iconic Spanish wine region matching export growth for the first time since the recession.

Lanson tops UK Rosé Champagne sales

Lanson's Rosé Champagne was the number one best-selling wine in its category in 2015, according to the latest figures from data analysts Nielsen.

Government picks Ridgeview for GREAT Britain reception

Wines from the family-owned Sussex winery Ridgeview were the featured serve at an official reception last week as part of the government's GREAT Britain campaign to celebrate what the UK has to offer the world.

Armit expands premium Italy list with Friuli partnership

Fine wine merchant Armit Wines has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Friuli winery Castello di Buttrio.

Giant of Italian wine, Giacomo Tachis, dies at 82

Italian wine legend Giacomo Tachis has died at the age of 82. He had been ill for some time.

RAW returns to London for fifth year

The RAW organic and biodynamic wine fair is set to return to London for its fifth year on May 15 and 16.

WSTA calls for 2% cut in duty as sector gives Treasury a £200 million boost

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association has met with Treasury officials as part of its campaign for a cut in duty in next month's Budget.

Counterfeit Champagne seizure a warning to industry, brand expert says

Italian police have seized some 9,000 bottles of counterfeit Moët & Chandon Champagne near Padova in northern Italy.

Hungarian wines and spirits in spotlight at Malux spring tasting

Hungarian food-and-wine wine specialist Malux will be showcasing around 80 wines and spirits from 11 small, family producers at its spring London tasting in March.

Liberty Wines adds three premium wineries to South African offer

Liberty Wines has expanded its premium South African portfolio with the addition of three new estates.

New partnerships to be unveiled at Ehrmanns 2016 tastings