TWE hires Tony Watson as commercial director for UK and Ireland

Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has appointed Tony Watson as commercial director for the UK and Ireland. It follows the promotion of Michelle Brampton to managing director, Europe in November.

Woodwinters hires Sara Bachiorri as it targets further UK expansion

Woodwinters has appointed Sara Bachiorri as a key account manager in its London on and off-trade sales division as part of its UK expansion plans.

New wineries set for debut at the Kosher Food and Wine Experience

Several new wines will be on offer at the Kosher Food and Wine Experience London (KFWE) this year, including one named after the stones David used to slay Goliath.

Conversion Group adds Gracie Events to investment portfolio

The Conversion Group has added fine wine events specialists Gracie Events to its expanding portfolio of investments in luxury businesses.

Citrus best for Sauvignon Blanc say consumers

A citrusy Sauvignon Blanc is the UK’s favourite, according to a new report.

Scandinavian style: Climate change pushes wine to the fringes

For much of the winemaking world, it’s an inconvenient truth that climate change is changing how easily and successfully wine can be made.

Justerini & Brooks to distribute Bodegas y Viñedos Raúl Pérez in UK

Justerini & Brooks has added Bodegas y Viñedos Raúl Pérez to its portfolio.

Ribera del Duero’s Cruz de Alba signs to Enotria & Coe

Cruz de Alba has joined sister wineries Ramón Bilbao from Rioja and Mar de Frades from Rías Baixas at Enotria & Coe to offer a trio of wines to UK independents and the on-trade.

Luvian’s St Andrews' Archie McDiarmid blogs from Sauvignon Blanc Celebration in Marlborough

Haere Mai, as they say in Marlborough, and welcome to Sauvignon 2019, the world’s biggest celebration of – arguably - the most popular and least well-understood grape variety around.

Oddbins set for administration

Oddbins is reportedly poised to enter administration, putting more than 500 jobs at risk.

Mr Lyan announces big plans

The team behind venues such as White Lyan, Cub, and current World’s Best Bar, Dandelyan, have revealed even more ambitious plans for 2019.

Hungary calls on on-trade for Furmint February

As part of the first Furmint February to be held in the UK, participating on-trade and independent retailers have the chance of winning a trip to Hungary.

UK still ‘litmus test’ as global benchmark for wine brands

The UK market continues to be the shop window for the world of wine, with the on-trade driving premium sales. 

Chaîne des Rôtisseurs GB announces the Gerard Basset Tasting Trophy

The British branch of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs has launched a new award for its Young Sommelier Competition in honour of Gerard Basset MS, MW, OBE, who lost his battle with cancer and passed away on 17 January.

LWF introduces charges for attendees in 2019

M Restaurant pop-up to tackle sex trafficking and modern day slavery

A pop-up restaurant will open for a fortnight to raise funds to fight human trafficking and exploitation.

London Distillery Company continues Asia expansion

Increasing demand for British spirits in Asia has seen The London Distillery Company sign several new deals to increase availability of its brands in the region.

Malux to launch Vida at Hungarian tasting

Hungarian food-and-wine wine specialists Malux are gearing up to launch four wines from Szekszard estate Vida at their upcoming trade tasting – including a Kadarka from rare 100-year-old vines.

The week that was

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, here’s a review of the top online news, analysis, opinions and features.

‘Perfect storm’ causes glass shortage and price hikes for UK wine industry

The UK wine industry is running out of glass, creating unprecedented price hikes for bottlers - and the situation is unlikely to be resolved before 2020.