Currency analysis, December 10: sterling slips against US dollar

Currency analysis for December 10 from Smart Currency Exchange: sterling slips against US dollar. For bespoke currency advice for the drinks industry go to www.smartwinespirits.com

Portuguese winemakers urged to band together

Portuguese winemakers have been urged to work together to raise awareness of their country and their products.

Penny-pinching on wine in decline, says Wine Intelligence

Consumers are increasingly prepared to spend more money on a bottle of wine to drink at home, according to latest research by Wine Intelligence.

Napa Valley Vintners launches rare wines website

The Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) has launched a new website dedicated to rare wines in the premier Napa Valley portfolio.

Geoffrey Dean: Ashes and wine blog reports on impact of rain to 2011 vintage

This has been a good week to be an Englishman in Australia following England's crushing victory in the second Test.

Australia's First Families of Wine launches second year of UK activity

Australia's First Families of Wine (AFFW) has launched its second year of UK activity.

Currency analysis, December 9: sterling hits two week high

Currency analysis for December 9 from Smart Currency Exchange: sterling hits a two week high.
For bespoke currency advice for the drinks industry go to www.smartwinespirits.com

Campo Viejo puts unique twist on wine and dine concept

Rioja wine brand Campo Viejo is linking up with tapas restaurants to flip traditional dining on its head.

Halewood launches 2011 'Lamb's Spiced Master of the Blend' competition

Halewood International is to run its second on-trade based 'Lamb's Spiced Master of the Blend' competition.

Ehrmanns adds Kiwi producer to its portfolio

Ehrmanns has been appointed as the UK agent for family owned New Zealand producer Giesen Wines.

D&D to open two Leeds restaurants

Half of failing hospitality businesses down to inexperienced owners

Hospitality business mentor, David Hunter, has revealed that around half of failing businesses within the hospitality sector are owned by individuals who have no prior experience.

Positive UK manufacturing figures sees sterling hit high

Sterling hit the highest level against the US dollar for two weeks yesterday, as better than expected UK manufacturing figures and a strong GDP estimate helped point towards a continued economic recovery.

Absolut introduces Quick Response neck collar

Absolut has introduced a consumer neck collar that incorporates QR (Quick Response) code technology that allows customers to view recipes on how to mix drinks and cocktails at home.

Inish Turk Beg develops digital marketing and social media strategy

Irish whiskey producer, Inish Turk Beg, has hired digital agency Underwired Amaze to develop its digital marketing and social media strategy.

Wines in the press - December 3-5

The Telegraph
Victoria Moors says compiling the list of top wines for Christmas has nearly killed her.

Inverarity Vaults opens Edinburgh wine bar

Inverarity Vaults has opened its first wine bar in Edinburgh at the city's Festival Theatre under its One to One retail brand.

Sterling continues to gain due to euro zone debt

Sterling gained against a broadly weaker euro yesterday as investors focused on euro zone debt woes with a meeting of European finance ministers taking place throughout the day.

Naked Wines named Startups Business of the Year 2010

Online wine retailer Naked Wines, has been named the Startups Business of the Year 2010.

Geoffrey Dean: our man Down Under's Ashes and wine blog, Adelaide

The Adelaide Test has always been my favourite in an Ashes series Down Under. It's not just because the Oval is the most attractive in the country - with its cathedral, scores of trees and stylish stands including a brand new Western Grandstand that cost £50m - but because the whole occasion is the most social of the Australian cricketing calendar.