Provence 2017 wine production slumps 12% as quality rises

Wine output from Provence slumped by 12% or 21 million bottles in 2017 following harsh late frosts, according to the region’s winemakers.

Industry asked: how much drink is too much?

How much is too much? Are new rules needed to stop drinks brands implying their products can improve mood? Does the industry still use sexist imagery to advertise drinks?

English vine plantings to rise by up to 70% this year

Sales of English wine jumped by almost a third (31%) between 2015 and last year, according to a new survey of the country’s winemakers.

Rioja 2017 vintage scarce but ‘very good’

The Rioja 2017 vintage has been awarded an official ‘very good’ rating by the Rioja Control Board.

Taxi! Loire Valley Wines splashes out on black cab branding

The trade body that represents winemakers from the Loire Valley is gearing up for a marketing offensive in London in May.

Bloom & Wild begins posting ‘letterbox wine’

The company behind a plastic letterbox wine bottle that allows wine to be posted through drinkers’ doors has launched a partnership with a leading online florist.

Wine-Searcher CEO quits claiming ‘I never wanted the job’

The founder of online drinks database Wine-Searcher has stepped down as boss of the business claiming: “I never really wanted to be CEO in the first place.”

Trade predicts En Primeur price drop while academic study estimates rise

There is little consensus about En Primeur prices this year with the wine trade predicting a drop while the latest academic study expects a price rise.

Berry Bros & Rudd opens first pop-up wine bar

Berry Bros & Rudd is to open its first ever pop-up wine bar for London Wine Week (LWW).

Europe leads private label premiumisation

The quality of private label wines are on the up – and Europe is leading the pack.

Castelnau launches second Hors Catégorie cuvée as it looks to double sales

Champagne Castelnau last night launched Hors Catégorie cuvée - the second prestige cuvée to be released as part of the premium collection.

WSET reveals new and enhanced qualifications

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has improved its educational programme with a new spirits qualification in addition to enhancing two of its existing courses.

Digby’s cool climate fizz makes first foray into Scotland

Digby Fine English has made its first foray into Scotland via an exclusive distribution deal with Alexander Wines.

Dedicated Old World red wine subscription business launches

An online subscription wine club has been launched with a sole focus on Old World red wines.

WSTA signs deal to promote trade relations with China

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) is to sign an agreement with Chinese distiller Kweichow Moutai Co to increase trade relations between the two countries.

The Benevolent to hold mental health discussion at LWF

Trade charity The Benevolent has joined forces with the London Wine Fair (LWF) to present a panel discussion on mental health at this year’s event.

Chapel Down wine sales soar

Chapel Down has reported a 20% increase in its wine sales alongside a 7% increase for its associated Curious Drinks beer and cider arm.

Kentish wineries partner with Visit Kent to launch wine tourism initiative

Seven Kentish wineries have partnered with Visit Kent to launch a new wine tourism initiative – The Wine Garden of England.

Members of South Africa’s Old Vine Project now able to put heritage seal on bottles

Members of South Africa’s Old Vine Project (OVP) have been given the clear to put a Certified Heritage Vineyards (CHV) seal on wine bottles made from vineyards that are 35 years old (or older).

Croft, Fonseca and Taylor’s Port declare 2016 vintage