Five minutes with Kit Ellen, Exton Park

Kit Ellen, MD at Hampshire’s Exton Park, distributed in the UK by Bancroft Wines, talks to Jo Gilbert about the winery’s intriguing shift in focus to ‘reserve blends’, a new standard-bearer for the wines based on its 10-year library of reserves.

James Davis MW joins Henkell Freixenet

James Davis MW will be joining the Henkell Freixenet team in a newly created role from the first week of July.

The life aquatic for English wine

Cavas de Guarda Superior to be 100% organic by 2025

The Consejo Regulador de la Denominación de Origen Protegida Cava (DO Cava) has announced that the production of Cavas de Guarda Superior will be 100% organic by 2025. 

Q&A: Charlie Holland, Gusbourne

From the ‘baptism of fire’ of his first, unexpected vintage in Australia, to heading up one of England’s top wine estates, Charlie Holland, head winemaker and CEO at Gusbourne, fills Andrew Catchpole in on the story so far.

Bollinger acquires Ponzi Vineyards

The Bollinger family, owners of Champagne Bollinger and four other French estates, has announced it is acquiring Oregon’s Ponzi Vineyards.

Ruinart dedicates historic vineyard to biodiversity project

LVMH brand Champagne Ruinart is furthering its commitment to nurturing biodiversity in the Champagne region by switching over its 40ha historic Taissy vineyard to a biodiversity pilot project in tandem with Reforest’Action.

BWS sales growth slows on lockdown anniversary

Alcohol sales continued to grow in March in the grocery sector boosted by lockdown but this is likely to change as the on-trade reopens, Kantar has predicted. 

Champagne Gosset Matchmakers 2021 open for entries

Champagne Gosset is once again reaching out to chefs and sommeliers to take part in its annual Matchmakers competition and be in with a chance of winning an all expenses paid trip to its estate.

Prosecco announces sustained production and sales

Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG has announced sustained production and sales in 2020 in spite of the challenges brought on by Covid-19.

Ferrari Trento named official sparkling Formula 1 wine

Ferrari Trento has been named the official sparkling wine of Formula 1 motor racing.

Soaring demand for rosé and exports at Nyetimber

Nyetimber has reported a major spike in demand for rosé in 2020 from their south east England vineyards, despite the loss of social drinking occasions often associated with pink wines.

Rathfinny joins Liberty portfolio

Sussex-based producer Rathfinny has appointed Liberty Wines as its sole agent in the UK and Ireland.

Rosé Prosecco launch boosts overall Prosecco growth

The Prosecco DOC Consortium has reported 2.8% volume growth for 2020 compared to the certified volumes recorded the previous year. 

Cheer from Chapel Down as sales hit one million bottles

Kent-based Chapel Down has hit a new high, with 2020 sales passing the one million bottle mark in October this year.

Roederer completes organic conversion

Champagne Louis Roederer has joined the growing global club of big name producers that have completed conversion to organic certification.

Q&A: Mark Driver, Rathfinny Wine Estate

As the 2020 vintage came in, Rathfinny owner Mark Driver spoke with Andrew Catchpole about the challenges of flexing the business in a remarkable year

Sussex winery launches with two vintages

New boutique Sussex vineyard Artelium has launched with two sparkling vintages created by winemaker Dermot Sugrue.

Prosecco gets go ahead for rosé exports

Prosecco DOC has been given the green light by the EU to export rosé.

Aldi claims supermarket first with Prosecco rosé launch

Aldi is gearing up to launch a Prosecco rosé, a move the retailer claims will make it the first supermarket to sell the pink bubbles.