Welsh producers are preparing for Indie Beer Fest Wales 2026, set to take place from November 12–15, according to the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA). A celebration of Welsh indie brewers, SIBA said that Wales currently stands alone as the only part of the UK where the brewing scene is in growth. Looking back on the SIBA UK Brewery…

Vagabond has started its inaugural grape pressing at its new Urban Winery, based in London’s Canada Water. According to the company, the brand-new tanks will be pressing approximately 16 tonnes of grapes from across the south of England. Among them are two tonnes of Ortega from Black Bourn Vineyard in Suffolk, as well as Bacchus grapes from Hidden Spring in Sussex…

South African producer Boland Cellar has set its sights on the UK market, beginning with the Wines of South Africa trade tasting in October. According to Wine Works Studio, which leads communications for the brand, Boland plans to grow its UK presence by expanding into the on-trade. Additionally, it said that it would be changing its focus in the…

Following whisperings last month, it has now been reported that Sazerac has acquired Au Vodka for more than £300 million. The news comes after many other acquisitions from the company, including the likes of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, BuzzBallz, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky and SVEDKA Vodka. Founded in Swansea by friends Charlie Morgan and Jackson Quinn, Au Vodka debuted in 2015. Since…

Spending fell by 5% in independent alcohol retailers between March 2024 and March 2026, according to Liberty Wines’ new Independent Off-Trade Wine Report. The pattern also held for larger wine retailers, with online sales down by 4% and national specialists like Majestic dipping by 3%. Not all doom and gloom, though: more than 40% of indies have increased their sales over…

The Comité Champagne has described the 2026 harvest as one of “unprecedented earliness” but said that exceptional climatic conditions are likely to lead to high-quality wines. The Comité commented that the 2026 growing season will be remembered as one of Champagne’s most unusual, thanks to severe spring frosts followed by five heatwaves throughout the summer period. The group said that ripening…

Coterie Holdings has revealed a completely new group buying team as part of its portfolio and producer strategy. Led by Andrew Shaw, who will take on the role of group buying director, the business said that the team aims to bring together experts on all major European wine regions, emerging markets, Champagne, spirits and the low & no category.