Napa Valley Vintners launches auction of rare wines

The Napa Valley Vintners has brought together a collection of nearly 100 exclusive library wine lots for its inaugural Direct from the Cellar: Napa Valley Library Wine Auction. 

UKH Scotland reiterates calls for support as Sturgeon says no easing of restrictions

The hospitality industry in Scotland is again calling for financial support as First Minister for Scotland Nicola Sturgeon revealed that there would be no easing of restrictions due to the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown. 

UK demand for Oz wine up in wake of Covid and Brexit

Sales of Australian wine in the UK have been boosted since the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic and in the months leading up to Brexit, according to Wine Australia’s latest Export Report. 

Business group calls for £35bn support package to prevent financial ‘oblivion’

The Independent Business Network (IBN) is the latest business group to call for financial help for the pub and restaurant sector in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Bampfield-backed Love Wine initiative launches SA fundraising tasting

Love Wine, co-founded by Richard Bampfield MW, has announced it is gearing up to hold a virtual fundraising tasting to raise funds for the South African wine industry.  

Grocery BWS sales boom in January with hospitality lockdown

Alcohol sales in the grocery sector grew overall by 29% in January boosted by the closure of the on-trade sector with the Covid-19 lockdown.  

California wine gets export push with $10m campaign

The California Wine Institute (CWI) is to launch a new global brand campaign called the “Golden State of Mind” to promote its wines internationally and boost export sales. 

US Scotch whisky tariffs “unsustainable” as losses hit £500m

The impact of tariffs on Scotch whisky exports to the US is “unsustainable” as losses for the sector have hit £500m, according to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA). 

Vinpro pushes ahead with court case as SA alcohol ban lifted

Vinpro has welcomed last night’s announcement that the third alcohol ban on local liquor sales has been lifted, but said it would push ahead with the court application it launched in the Cape High Court last month to help save the beleaguered industry. 

Absolut follows up 'paper' bottle launch with 60% recycled glass edition

Pernod Ricard’s flagship vodka brand, Absolut, has launched its latest limited-edition bottle made of 60% recycled glass, making it the brand’s most sustainable glass bottle to date. 

Four in five eager to get back to going out

Consumers are badly missing hospitality experiences, with four in five, or 80%, hoping to revisit the on-trade within a few weeks of reopening, according to the latest edition of CGA’s 2021 Hospitality Consumer Forecast, which explores attitudes to the on-trade while Britain remains under lockdown.

Vidal-Fleury names new General Manager

Maison Vidal-Fleury has appointed Antoine Dupré as its new general manager taking over from Guy Sarton du Jonchay, who has been in charge for the past 13 years. 

Worshipful Company of Distillers expands educational initiative

The Worshipful Company of Distillers’ (WCD) has launched a programme of scholarships and bursaries set to benefit more than 100 students over the next three years. 

Vinpro: ‘Cellar capacity and financial viability remain a big concern”

Vinpro has announced that South African wine producers and viticulturists are optimistic about the quality of this year’s vintage following favourable weather conditions. 

Inter Beaujolais appoints new President and Vice President

Inter Beaujolais has appointed Daniel Bulliat as President and Philippe Bardet as Vice President. 

NZ online wine retailer reports record-breaking year

Online wine retailer The New Zealand House of Wine has reported record-breaking sales. 

Beale: ‘Punishingly high duty rates stifling home grown wine and spirit businesses’

The WSTA has renewed its calls on the Chancellor to cut alcohol duty to allow UK businesses to “thrive and compete on a global stage”. 

Sample registration opens for the b.f.t’s first virtual event

Pandemic cost hospitality £200m a day in 2020

Turnover for the hospitality sector dropped to less than half of 2019 levels in 2020, slipping by almost £72bn, which translates to nearly £200m a day, according to the latest edition of the UK Hospitality (UKH) and CGA Quarterly Tracker.

Industry needs to ‘redouble efforts’ to scrap VI-1s

Victoria Prentis, minister for fishing and farming, this week confirmed that the government will “consider in due course whether there is a case for revisiting the requirements of the VI-1 certification”.