Pernod Ricard ups investment by 30% for Christmas

Pernod Ricard has unveiled the firm's Christmas plans ? it has upped marketing investment by 30% for this year's focus on premium brands across TV ad campaigns, sponsorships and new packaging.

Richard Siddle dines at The Milroy

Walking into The Milroy you feel like you've stepped up a notch or two in social class, which is all part of its new-found appeal. Previously you were only able to dine here if you were rich enough to pay the membership fee for what is essentially a private casino - Les Ambassadeurs Club.

Montana rebrands to become Brancott Estate

Montana Wine has changed its name to Brancott Estate and is to be official sponsor of the 2011 rugby union World Cup.

New Zealand wine industry welcomes smaller 2010 vintage

The 2010 New Zealand grape harvest totalled 266,000 tonnes - 19,000 tonnes smaller than in 2009.

New Zealand wine industry awarded Government support

The New Zealand Government has announced a promotional package of support for the country's wine industry, to help overcome its current challenges.

Cloudy Bay releases 2006 Riesling

Cloudy Bay, the New Zealand winemaker renowned for its sauvignon blanc, has released 1,500 bottles of 2006 Riesling for sale in the UK.

Sir George Fistonich accepts charity role

Founder and managing director of Villa Maria Estate, Sir George Fistonich, is to replace the role left by the late Sir Edmund Hillary, as vice patron of Variety - The Children's Charity of New Zealand.

Harpers to discuss UK's role in global wine market at LWIF

The UK's position in the global wine market will be the subject of the Harpers Debate at this year's London International Wine Fair.

Draycott to head Gonzalez Byass sales

Former First Quench buyer Melissa Draycott has been named sales director of Gonzalez Byass UK.

Rebecca Gibb - Winery workout - Marlborough day 6

It's only been a week since I arrived in Marlborough to work part of the 2010 vintage but I'm already in need of a rest!

My Taste - big v small

Carol Emmas takes part in a blind tasting that pits the big brand Champagnes against the small growers.

First Taste - Wairarapa

A snapshot of wines from New Zealand's Wairarapa region.

Rebecca Gibb - Harvest hen do: Marlborough day 5

Winery dogs are so last year. The ultimate winery accessory this season is...a hen.

New Zealand overtakes Germany in UK wine sales

New Zealand is claiming to have overtaken sales of German wine in the UK when looking at country of origin percentage shares.

Rebecca Gibb - Weather-watching wineries: Marlborough day 4

Harvest time is all about the weather. And in true British style, the weather's one of my favourite subjects. It continues to turn out nice every day in Marlborough and, for those producers with grapes still to come in, that's great news. But for the crew at Jackson Estate, a nice bit of rain would be ideal.

Rebecca Gibb - Milk Round: Marlborough day three

I have never seen 3000 cartons of milk in a vineyard but I had to believe my eyes this morning at Jackson Estate's newly-planted Pinot Noir site.

Rebecca Gibb - Good things come in small packages: Marlborough day two

Angela Mount to head up Gondola Wines

Angela Mount is to be announced as the new head of Gondola Wine, the new online wine retail site from Dragon's Den entrepreneur Peter Jones.

Rebecca Gibb - Vintage Boots: Marlborough day one

I swore I would never work in a cellar again after a terrible vintage experience in Australia in '06. Rose-tinted glasses firmly on, I've agreed to do a week's work at Jackson Estate in Marlborough.

New Zealand expects small vintage decline

New Zealand wine producers will harvest slightly fewer grapes this year, despite an increased vineyard area, it has been predicted.