Beatrice Bessi, head sommelier of Chiltern Firehouse, on becoming a sommelier by way of computer science and statistics, being a mind reader, and a memorable encounter with Robert De Niro.
January may turn one’s thoughts to tax returns and wits may be snide about the poor performance of wine in 2019 but it’s always worth reiterating that wine portfolios are about the long game.
Whether you’ve got a hankering for haggis or longing for a bone marrow luge, we’ve rounded up our favourite Burns Night events happening in London this week.
Australian wine producer Tyrell’s has said it has decided to “severely” reduce its 2020 vintage, by as much as 80%, due to fears of smoke taint.
The 8th edition of Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson MW’s The World Atlas of Wine has been named the winner of the 2019 André Simon Award for best drinks book.
Leading wine show ProWein is to launch a new version of its show in the Brazilian city of São Paulo this October, focusing on wines from Latin America.
Tramar Lacel Dillard, known professionally as Flo Rida, is working with a Florida-based drinks firm to build a vodka distillery in Fort Lauderdale.
The final extract from this year’s shortlisted André Simon Awards books comes from the winner – the 8th edition of Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson MW’s World Atlas of Wines, looking back at the modern evolution of wine trends.
California wine giant Barefoot has entered the hard seltzer game with a range of four white wine-based seltzers that are set to go on sale in the US next month.
Valencia’s Superior Court of Justice has dismissed a case against a Michelin-starred restaurant in the city, following the death of a woman after dining at the establishment last February.
UK retailer Majestic Wine has shaken up its senior team, confirming the departure of md Josh Lincoln, and the promotion of buying and sourcing director Rob Cooke to chief commercial officer.
China’s e-commerce giant Tmall recently announced an exponential surge of beverage sales driven by the preparation for the Chinese new year, including triple-digit sales growth for popular products such as baijiu, beer and wine.
Following the success of its first edition, the World Bulk Wine Exhibition (WBWE) Asia will host the event again in Yantai, China, on 29-30 May 2020.
Jack Ma, former executive chairman of Alibaba, has expanded his bar business with the opening of a second site in Shanghai this month.
Charles Heidsieck Champagne London
Elixir Distillers Park Royal, London UK
Speciality Brands Park Royal, London, UK
MMI Maldives Maldives
London City Bond Barking, UK
The Whisky Exchange Great Portland Street, London
The Whisky Exchange London, UK
Elixir Distillers Park Royal, London, UK
Small Beer Brew Co London, UK