Waitrose´s Howard-Sneyd warns of "catastrophic" future

The future of wine retailing in the UK is at a crossroads and if it follows the wrong path it could be "catastrophic" for the industry, warned Waitrose´s Justin Howard-Sneyd speaking at today´s Wine Future 09 in Rioja.

Deadline day for First Quench bids

Bakery chain Greggs is thought to be among the bidders for parts of the First Quench estate in time for today's deadline for initial expressions of interest.

Parker defends grenache tasting to angry Rioja producers

Robert Parker has defended his decision to host a mass grenache masterclass tasting at the Wine Future 09 conference in Rioja after fierce criticism from local producers.

Wine labels as confusing as Chinese, says Robert Joseph

Wine labels and brands are as confusing to consumers as a menu written in Chinese, according to the writer and producer Robert Joseph.

Philippe Coulon joins Undurraga

Former Moët & Chandon head winemaker Philippe Coulon has joined the Undurraga team as a consultant to strengthen its New World sparkling ranges.

Companies need recession-proof strategies, warns Wine Future

Drinks companies that have not implemented a separate strategy for the recession and the future need to act now, according to Constellation´s David Cunningham speaking at the Wine Future Rioja 2009 conference.

John Stephenson & Sons goes into administration

New boutique hotel from D&D London

D&D London, formerly known as Conran Restaurants, has agreed plans to develop an 80-bedroom luxury boutique hotel in Moorgate. 

George of Stamford wins wine list award

The overall winner of the Condé Nast Johansens Champagne Taittinger Wine List Awards 2010, for the best individual establishment in UK and Ireland, was the George of Stamford in Lincolnshire.

More job losses at First Quench

The administrators of First Quench Retailing, which trades as the Threshers, Wine Rack, The Local, Haddows, Bottoms Up and Victoria Wine brands, have announced a further 35 redundancies at head office today.

WSTA urges duty cut on wine and spirits

The WSTA is urging the government to cut duty on wine and spirits when VAT is restored to its standard 17.5% at the end of December.

Top award for The Rutland

The Rutland in Edinburgh was awarded a top honour at The Champagne Taittinger Condé Nast Johansens Wine List of the Year Awards 2010, held in London last night (November 9).

Whisky workers to continue fight

The chief executive of Diageo was met with angry workers at the Johnnie Walker whisky plant in Kimarnock who say they would continue to fight to keep it open.

Wines in the press - November 6-8

The Guardian

Spier pulls wine out of supermarkets - Claire Hu

South African producer Spier is pulling out of supermarkets in favour of a push into the on-trade.

New protective legislation for Scotch whisky

First Quench to close 373 stores

The joint administrators of First Quench Retailing have announced the closure of 373 stores, resulting in 1,738 redundancies across the group.

Virgin Wines merges with Warehouse Wines

Virgin Wines is merging with Warehouse Wines, an offline wine specialist.

Wine Australia calls on independents to back Regional Heroes campaign

Wine Australia is inviting independent merchants to take part in a four-week promotional campaign to help push its Regional Hero initiative.

Sainsbury's starts Christmas price war

The Christmas promotional war has started early with Sainsbury's slashing the price of its wines in a promotion that sees Charles Lafitte NV Champagne reduced from £29.99 to just £11.24.