Israeli Wine Producers Association pleads for trade help

To raise awareness and in support of Israeli wineries, the Israeli Wine Producers Association (IWPA), a trade organisation promoting Israeli wineries through wine education and events, has plead for investment.

Mezcal Unión’s Toño Vilches on origins, growth, and unity

Mezcal has become a spirits category for the cool kids. But so much sudden attention on the agave spirit leaves its producers, which are often small-scale operations, and the slow-growing agave crop, open to exploitation.

Negroni Sbagliato: Vermouth's happy mistake

The Negroni Sbagliato has become the darling of millennials thanks to a TikTok clip. Shay Waterworth says it’s opening new doors for vermouth producers.

Portuguese wine producers “on the verge of bankruptcy”

Portugal’s association of wine traders, Anceve, has called on the government for economic support as it warns rising costs have left many small- and medium-sized producers “on the verge of bankruptcy”.

Japanese Whisky: Pushing Premium

Japanese whisky continues to go from strength to strength as shochu producers turn to the category to make their mark in international markets.

How the world aided South Africa's wine trade

South Africa has suffered greater than most countries during the Covid-19 pandemic. It has reported three times as many cases as any other African country, and many of the government’s attempts to curb the virus – closing borders, prohibiting or restricting the domestic sale of alcohol, and banning the transport of goods to the country’s ports – have had a damaging impact on the wine industry.

UK gin producers lobby for tax break

UK gin producers have called upon Chancellor Rishi Sunak to freeze duty on spirits after revealing that exports have plummeted 35% as a result of the pandemic.

Putin anti-champagne law sparks controversy

A new law in Russia ordering French champagne to be labelled sparkling wine has caused unrest among producers.

South Africa enjoys late and large 2021 wine harvest

The 2021 South African wine harvest has been estimated at 1,461,599 tonnes, 8.9% larger than in 2020.

Bordeaux wineries work collegiately to drive sustainability

Three organic wine producers in Bordeaux have joined forces in a bid to promote a sustainable future for the region.

Mezcal: Nom-199 and the ongoing regulations standoff

A U-turn on regulations for mezcal has left producers confused about quality control. Shay Waterworth reports.

Caribbean and French rum producers team up to improve exports deals

Caribbean rum producers have joined forces with French group CIRT-DOM, to help get the best deal for their exports into major markets including the European Union.

Caribbean Export Development Agency launches virtual expo

Several spirits brands will be featured at the first ever virtual expo hosted by the Caribbean Export Development Agency on November 17-18.

South African wine producers can start exporting again

South African wine producers have been cleared to resume exports after the country’s coronavirus lockdown was eased.

South African wine producers cleared to resume exports

South African producers have received permission to export their wine around the world after intensive lobbying efforts over the past week.

South African wine producers permitted to finish 2020 harvest during coronavirus lockdown

South African wineries are now permitted to finish the 2020 harvest after the government added them to the list of essential businesses during the coronavirus lockdown.

Tuscany

With classic regions and the famous Super-Tuscan wines, exports are Tuscany’s life blood. Christian Davis reports

Review: Bar Convent Berlin

Bar Convent Berlin attracted 5,700 visitors this year, a 20% increase on 2011.

Armagnac

Armagnac is arguably the closest spirit to wine in terms of provenance, raw materials and the outlook of the growers, producers and brand owners. Christian Davis reports

Beaujolais primed for new Burgundy AOC

As the third consecutive "great" Beaujolais vintage readies for market and glasses, the talk in the region has turned to another newcomer, the newly formed appellation of Coteaux Bourguignon.

Russian Standard buys CEDC share for $25m

Vodka company Russian Standard has purchased a 9.9% share in CEDC (Central European Distribution Corporation) for $25.35 million.

DIVA to distribute SA wines

French distributor DIVA (Distribution Internationale de Vins et Alcools) has created DIVA South Africa to market some of the country’s ‘premium’ wines to an international audience.

Armagnac has lit its alambics

The Bureau National Interprofessionnel de l’Armagnac (BNIA) has reported that distillation in the region – ‘La Flamme de l’Armagnac’ - commenced yesterday (October 5).

Cognac scheme to support small producers

Les Compagnons du Cognac, a social enterprise designed to support and protect small and independent producers of VSOP and XO cognac, is about to be launched.

Naked Wines launches advanced bookings

UK wine retailer Naked Wines has launched a new service that allows UK wine drinkers to buy wines for less than they cost at the cellar door.

Europe pushes responsible drinking

Europe’s spirits producers have launched a catalogue of industry-led programmes to reduce alcohol related harm.