Oxford Wine Company signs deal to be exclusive UK importer of Downton Abbey wines

Ted Sandbach of the Oxford Wine Company has become the exclusive UK importer for a special Downton Abbey range of wines, created by French producer, Les Grands Chais de France.

Vinoteca to offer Riesling by the glass straight from 20-litre kegs

Vinoteca, the London chain of wine bars and restaurants, is introducing what it claims will be the first Riesling to be sold by the keg in the capital.

Brown-Forman celebrates 2014 as one of the most successful years in its 144-year history

Brown-Forman shareholders celebrated yesterday the success of its 2014 financial results which it said was "one of the company's most successful years in its 144- year history."

LVMH's wine and spirits business drags down overall performance of luxury group

Louis Vutton Moët Hennessy (LVMH) stock price is taking a hit as financial markets react to the conglomerate's half yearly results announced at close of business yesterday. This morning the stock was trading 6.12% lower, down from yesertday's close €141.25 per share to €132.75 (Bloomberg).

Prosecco producer Bisol reveals plans to launch new Venetian wine

Bisol, the leading Italian Prosecoo producer, is to release a Venissa red in 2014, accroding to Matteo Bisol, the director of the family's Venissa tourism project on the Venetian island of Mazzorbo.

Katie Jones recovers from last year's destroyed vintage to release new 2013 wine

Katie Jones, the English winemaker based in the Languedoc in France, who saw last year's vintage destroyed by vandals, has successfully released her new 2013 wine which is now available in the UK.

Hakkasan teams up with WSET to provide first dedicated sake training course

An increasing demand for sake amongst UK consumers is not being met by the trade, according to Christine Parkinson, head wine buyer at the Hakkasan restaurant group, which has recently put the sommeliers in its London branches through a new WSETdedicated sake course.

The Famous Grouse hopes Commonwealth Games will attract visitors to new distillery

The Famous Grouse, the official whisky provider to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, is expecting a rise in footfall to The Famous Grouse Experience visitor centre over the next 17 days as the games kickoff today in Scotland.

Diageo's Captain Morgan advert once again banned by the ASA

Diageo, for the second time this year, has had a Captain Morgan advert banned by the Advetising Standards Authority (ASA) for a Facebook adve which stated that alcohol could combat boredom.

Top chefs team up for Indian cycling challenge to raise money for Action Against Hunger

Leading chefs and members of the drinks and hospitality  industries are to cycle across 400 kilometres of Rajasthan in India to help raise money for Action Against Hunger.

Reno Wine launches returnable bottle shop concept in Wymondham

Reno Wine opened its doors in Wymondham on 18 July, and owner Chris White has already had to place extra orders to meet customer demand.

Hardys still UK biggest wine brand for 2014

The annual review looks at the 100 biggest alcohol brands in the off-trade and found that over the last year UK consumers spent £400 million more on alcohol, an increase of 5% and consumed more than 70.3 million litres, an increase of 3.3%.

YouGov poll: public profiles of Aldi and Lidl have never been stronger

The public appeal and profile of hard discounters, Aldi and Lidl, has never been stronger, according to the results of a YouGov poll.

Marks & Spencer's Japanese wine is going down well with shoppers

The first Japanese wine to be listed by a UK supermarket has proved popular with shoppers at larger Marks & Spencer (M&S) stores. Sol Lucet Koshu was launched in May in limited quantities, retails at £12.99 for 750ml, and has an abv of 11.5%. Sales have been 'really good', M&S told Harpers.

Skye Gyngell to open first standalone restaurant at Somerset House

Skye Gyngell, who made her name at the Petersham Nurseries Café, is to open her first solo venture,Spring, at Somerset House in London in October.

Tullamore D.E.W kicks off social media competition to celebrate opening of new distillery

Matthew Clark launches 80-strong Boutique Beer range

Matthew Clark will today introduce a new range of 80 different beers to cater to on-trade's fastest growing category.

Wine firms must be consumer-centric to win new generation of drinkers

Wine companies must have a "consumer-centric" approach to draw in and stay relevant to new generations of wine drinkers, says Rabobank.

Tesco to replace chief executive, Philip Clarke, with outsider from Unilever

Big discounts expected on Champagne this Christmas

Champagne agents expect big discounts at UK supermarkets this Christmas, thanks to weak demand for the sparkling wine in its home country.