Drinkaware gets £15m funding

The drinks industry has pledged £5 million a year for the next three years to continue the funding for Drinkaware.

Wine firms consult over merger

A merger between Constellation Brands and Australian Vintage could be a step nearer following reports that both companies have asked for informal clearance for the deal.

LIWF given new look for 2010

Oxford Wine Company grows

The Oxford Wine Company is expanding with the purchase of Bona Wines, a Gloucestershire-based wholesale company.

Yellow Tail boss in blackmail case

An Australian court has commenced proceedings against a 67-year-old man accused of blackmailing John Casella - the owner of Yellow Tail producer Casella Wines - for more than A$5 million.

La Tour D'Argent raises €1.5 million in wine sale

The sale of part of the legendary La Tour D'Argent's cellar in Paris raised €1.54 million following a two-day auction.

Jancis Robinson website gets cellar management upgrade

Jancis Robinson's website is being upgraded to enable its near 40,000 tasting notes to be compatible with CellarTracker and VinCellar cellar management systems.

Australia launches green scheme

Australian winemakers have launched a national and international voluntary certification scheme that aims to highlight their green credientials.

Rise in Scotch whisky exports

The amount of Scotch whisky exported this year has jumped by more than 10 million bottles despite the recession.

Darling confirms VAT hike

There was little Christmas cheer for the drinks trade in this year's pre-Budget report.

Alcohol abuse commission launched in Scotland

The Scottish Labour party, which opposed the SNP's failed bill to enforce minimum alcohol pricing in Scotland, has set up a commission to tackle alcohol abuse.

Scotch exports beat the recession

Exports of Scotch whisky grew by 1.5% in the first nine months of 2009 despite the recession.

Darling confirms rise in VAT

Chancellor Alistair Darling has confirmed that value added tax will return to 17.5% in January, but claims there will be no further direct rise on alcoholic drinks duty tax.

New Zealand sweet wines permitted in UK

The generic trade body, New Zealand Wine Growers has welcomed a ruling that will allow the import of sweet wines into the UK.

Christmas campaigns unveiled for Tia Maria and Glenfiddich

Panel of MWs to judge Argentina Wine Awards

Pernod Ricard announces new UK appointments

Pernod Ricard has announced the appointment of three spirit and wine/Champagne Channel directors to its UK arm.

Wines in the Press- December 4-6

Observer

First promotion for rescued Wine Racks

All of the Wine Rack stores saved from administration by Venus Wine & Spirit are to hold in-store tastings this Saturday (December 12) on a range of promotional wines.

Diageo faces boycott over rum plans

Diageo is facing a boycott of its spirits brands in protest at its future production plans - in Puerto Rico.