Irish wine chief wants 20% tax cut

The Irish Wine Association has called on the country's government to cut excise duty by 20% after official figures showed a 10.9% drop in sales in the year-to-date.

Pink fizz targets Clothes Show visitors

Foster's EMEA is to use the Clothes Show Live consumer fair in a bid to build awareness for its Pink sparkling rosé wine brand among young women.

Dragons Den star launches online wine retail site

Dragons Den entrepreneur, Peter Jones, is looking to attract one million people to his new online wine club and retail site, www.gondola.co.uk in its first year.

More closures for First Quench

First Quench administrator KPMG has announced that a further 381 stores are to close.

Imbuko Wines triumphs at Fairtrade Wine Awards

Imbuko Wines from South Africa won the Overall Fairtrade Wine of the Year, sponsored by Harpers Wine & Spirit, at yesterday's Fairtrade Wine Competition in London.

Scotch whisky body backs responsible drinking

Scotch whisky adverts and point of sale material are to carry a responsible drinking message which will be seen across the EU.

Distillery slams new whisky laws

New laws governing the production of malt whisky in Scotland will make the industry less competitive and less environmentally friendly, according to Loch Lomond Distillery.

Morrisons slashes price of Champagne

Morrisons is cutting the cost of some Champagnes to below half price, including Bollinger at £17.95.

MacQuitty slams Which? Champagne survey

Jane MacQuitty, The Times wine critic, has strongly criticised the standard of a Which? magazine Champagne tasting that voted a Sainsbury's non-vintage own label brand as its runners-up.

Drinkaware hits back at new study

Don't miss - whisky tastings at Tsuru

Tsuru, a Japanese restaurant behind the Tate Modern is to host a tasting of Japanese whisky on Tuesday November 24. Jen Dickson, an expert in Japanese whisky will guide guests through a range of whiskies from world-renowned producers Nikka and Suntory.

Luca Gardini wins Best European Sommelier

Luca Gardini from Ristorante Cracco, Milan is the winner of The Best European Sommelier Competition 2009- organised by the Worldwide Sommelier Association.

The Bunch bears more fruit

Lea & Sandeman has become the sixth member to join the The Bunch group of independent wine merchants.

Jacobs Creek launches consumer focus campaign

Pernod Ricard UK is launching a new, high impact festive campaign for Jacob's Creek which aims to engage with consumers by connecting through shared values.

Day joins La Riojana

Former sales director of Ehrmanns Nick Day, has been appointed sales director for UK and Europe for the Argentine Fairtrade based co-operative La Riojana.

Majestic toast higher profits

The decision to cut its minimum order to six bottles has paid off for Majestic Wine as first half results show pre-tax profits are up 9% to £6.1m in the six months to the end of September.

Wines in the Press- November 11-13

Book highlights industry action on harmful drinking

International beer, wine and spirits companies say a new book demonstrates their commitment to reducing harmful drinking.

Majestic toasts half-year success

Majestic's new strategy of allowing customers to buy six bottles instead of full cases has paid off, according to the wine retailer's latest figures.

Skinner 'recommends untried wines'

Australian wine critic Matt Skinner is facing criticism for recommending wines that have yet to be bottled.