Lower-alcohol wines and 50cl sizes are inevitable, says Brand Phoenix

By Graham Holter

The wine trade will increasingly gravitate towards 50cl sizes and lower-alcohol styles in order to hit popular price points, according to one major supplier.

Currency update, September 24: Sterling rises as Euro zone data comes in worse than expected

Sterling rose against the euro yesterday as Euro zone data came in worse than expected and cast doubts over the validity of the region's recovery.

2008 Cru Bourgeois listings launched

The long awaited and re-invented Cru Bourgeois system has been unveiled that will allow châteaux in Médoc to use the term "Cru Bourgeois" for the 2008 harvest.

Hyde de Villaine gets UK launch

Hyde de Villaine, the new Californian venture between Aubert de Villaine and Larry Hyde, is launching its range of wines in the UK next month.

Tsingtao 'Legacy of Taste' finalists announced

Tsingtao, distributed in the UK by Halewood International, has announced the finalists of its search for the nation's favourite Chinese restaurant 2010 'Legacy of Taste' competition.

One week left to claim backdated rate relief

Small businesses which face losing out on at least £200 million in backdated rate relief are being thrown a lifeline in the form of a free online claims system.

Sauza Tequila gets Mexican rebranding

Sauza Tequila is rebranding its range to focus on its Mexican heritage.

South Africa to shine light on Chenin Blanc

Limited edition Stolichnaya for duty-free

Stolichnaya vodka has linked up with New York-based artist Yuri Gorbachev to create a limited edition bottle for the duty-free market.

Blossom Hill ends Wimbledon deal

Burgundy harvest starts early

Currency update, September 23: Sterling falls to four month low

Sterling fell to a four month low against the euro yesterday of €1.1662/£1 and a two month low against a basket of major currencies.

Matthew Jukes hosts Australialive tasting

Wine writer Matthew Jukes hosted a consumer wine tasting session promoting the merits of Australian wines and news that the 2010 vintage is going to be "one to remember".

Scottish minimum price plan defeated

The Scottish government's plan to introduce a minimum price per unit alcoholic drinks was defeated at Holyrood today.

Constellation ramps up Gran Tierra investment

Constellation is ramping up investment in its mainstream Chilean wine brand Gran Tierra as part of its £1m marketing launch.

Courvoisier launches UK's first punch competition

Maxxium owned Courvoisier, is launching the UK's first ever official punch competition at London Cocktail Week.

Currency update, September 22: sterling falls to two month low

Sterling fell to a two month low against the euro yesterday after stronger than expected demand for Irish and Greek government bonds eased concerns over European sovereign debt.

Warning over 22% rise in business rates

English and Welsh retailers could be facing increases of up to 22% in business rates next year, it has been warned.

Laphroaig to host online interactive tasting

Laphroaig will host its fourth annual interactive tasting later this week, live from the sherry bodegas of Jerez.

Drinkaware: 'Get watered not slaughtered'