Argento launches in USA

Bibendum in Banfi coup

UK fine wine merchant Bibendum has signed an exclusive UK distribution deal with Italian giants Castello Banfi.

McGuigan targets UK market

Australian producer McGuigan has added Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Sauvignon to its Classic Grey Label range in the UK.

Critics June 5 - 7

What the wine critics have to say in the press this week.

AOC Chaume is abolished

AOC Chaume has been abolished by the French authorities.

Wine cartons reduce ladybug taint

Cartons may be the best vessels for avoiding off-flavours in wine, according to a Canadian study.

Harveys pushes long drink serve

Harveys sherry is supplying on-trade outlets with new promotional kits to encourage them to serve a Harveys & Lemonade cocktail.

Wine sales show modest increase

Nielsen stats have indicated some modest growth in the take-home wine market.

Jura distillery suspends production

Isle of Jura distillery has been forced to temporarily halt production after the island's ferry service was withdrawn.

Producers see off blended rosé plan

The European Commission has axed plans to allow rosé wine to made by blending red and white.

Moramarco goes in Constellation reshuffle

Constellation International chief executive Jon Moramarco is to step down from the job at the end of June.

Parker writers 'accepted free trips'

Members of Robert Parker's team have accepted paid-for hospitality from wine producers, it has been revealed.

Benevolent Day kicks off

Benevolent Day - the new fundraising initiative by the drink's industry's biggest charity - gets underway today with organisers hoping to raise a record amount of cash for the cause.

Newton the new face of Martini

UK actress Thandie Newton is to be unveiled as the new face of Martini's 'stay beautiful marketing campaign.

Drinkaware to relaunch with new image

Independent UK alcohol charity The Drinkaware Trust is to relaunch with a new brand image in a bid to get its alcohol education message across to a larger section of the British drinking public.

Scotch distillers unveil green agenda

The Scotch whisky industry has pledged to cut its fossil fuel use by 80% by 2050.

California 'needs more mechanisation'

Researchers in California are urging vineyard owners to invest in mechanised pruning systems  to become more competitive, rather than rely on manual labour.

Vitamin vodka maker on export trail

An American producer of vodkas containing extra vitamins and legal stimulants is planning an assault on export markets after securing investment from a New York private equity firm.

Drinkaware to relaunch with new image

Independent UK alcohol charity The Drinkaware Trust is to relaunch with a new brand image in a bid to get its alcohol education message across to a wider section of the British drinking public.

La Mancha offered export hopes

Exports of La Mancha wines have increased by 25% in the first quarter of 2009, offering hope to bodegas in the region who are struggling to grow sales in their domestic market.