English Wine Week set to fizz

Picnics, quizzes, virtual tours, tastings and winemaker webinars are among the myriad events set to fly the flag during English Wine Week on 20-28 June.

Government extends lease forfeiture and debt enforcement moratorium

The government has extended the lease forfeiture and debt enforcement moratorium to the 30 September, giving hospitality businesses crucial breathing space. 

Bourgogne less impacted by Covid-19 than feared

The Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) has recorded an overall dip in exports of 1.8% by volume for the first four months of 2020.

Ehrmanns pours Beefsteak into cans

Ehrmanns Wines has launched its Beefsteak Club Mendoza Malbec in 250ml can format (rrp: £2.99).

‘Distancing’ most important to on-trade guests post-lockdown

Having social distancing measures in place has been revealed to be the key concern for consumers when they return to the on-trade post-lockdown, according to new research released by Hallgarten & Novum Wines today. 

Pinot Grigio DOC delle Venezie emerges ‘unscathed’ from lockdown

Consorzio Doc delle Venezie says it has come out "unscathed" from the lockdown, with bottling numbers stable  (+0.39) at the end of May compared to 2019.

AI proving ‘most exciting catalyser’ of wine innovation

The advance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) software is by far the most exciting catalyser of innovation in the wine industry, according to speakers at an Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) webinar held yesterday (17 June).

Pernod Ricard unveils on-trade reopening guide

Pernod Ricard UK has published a ‘Back to work in the new normal’ guide to help the hospitality industry prepare to reopen. 

Hattingley marks anniversary with TV wine first

Hattingley Valley has become the first English wine producer to launch a TV advertising campaign, to kick off just head of English Wine Week (20-28 June).

Waitrose expands English portfolio in a nod to English Wine Week

Waitrose is celebrating English Wine Week (20- 28 June) by launching five new and exclusive homegrown wines. 

‘Lipstick effect’ driving boom in CBD and cannabis-infused drinks

Attention must switch from ‘distancing’ to ‘rent’, says Downey

Jonathan Downey has urged for the topic of conversation to switch from ‘distancing’ to ‘rent’, ahead of the 30 June expiry date of the lease forfeiture moratorium, and less than a week before another quarter’s rent is due.   

AA launches ‘Covid-19 Confident’ scheme to reassure customers

The AA has launches a Covid-19 Confident accreditation scheme for hospitality businesses that have put risk assessments and safety measures in place.  

Bordeaux Wine Month opens up annual promo to on-trade

Bordeaux Wine Month will be back for its third annual outing this autumn, once again inviting the trade to have a shot at promoting the best from France’s flagship region.

Westminster City Council outlines reopening strategy for hospitality

Westminster City Council has outlined the measures it plans to implement in order to help hospitality businesses continue trading while social distancing remains in place. 

Octavian ‘wine cards’ offer investment advice

Fine wine storage company Octavian is launching a series of ‘wine cards’, giving advice to customers on how to grow a private collection while keeping an eye on the investment potential of that cellar.

FDF calls on support for squeezed supply chain

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has warned that the ‘squeezed middle’ [supply chain] needs support if the hospitality restart is to succeed.

Matthew Clark pitches on-trade with account-free ‘guest checkout’ on ecommerce platform

Matthew Clark has opened out its ecommerce platform to enable new on-trade customers to order up to £1,500 without opening an account or requiring a minimum order.

WSET branches out into beer qualifications

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is gearing up to launch a suite of beer qualifications.

NZW calls on UK to come with “fresh attitude” as trade negotiations begin

New Zealand’s wine sector has “warmly welcomed” the announcement that it is to begin trade negotiations with the UK, calling on Britain to come with a “fresh attitude”.