Komerz, the owner of Great Wines Direct, has joined the race to acquire Majestic Wine Group, competing with Tesco PLC.  Following last week’s news that Tesco had submitted a bid to acquire Majestic Wine, industry sources have described Komerz as another “serious contender”.  As reported by Sky News, Komerz recently revealed that it was undertaking a financing round that valued…

Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has sold the Rosemount, Ingoldby and Secret Stone brands to A.G. Oatley Wines, with the deal expected to close by 23 October.  The move is part of TWE’s transition to a “more focused brand portfolio” and follows the sale of Seppelt, Rouge Homme and Tollana earlier this year.  TWE said it aims to streamline its portfolio from…

Hatch Mansfield has appointed Jon Pepper MW as its new CEO, with him due to take up the role on 2 November.  Taking over from Patrick McGrath MW, Pepper brings experience from senior leadership roles at Buckingham Schenk, Enotria and Stoli Group.  With over 20 years of experience in premium drinks, Pepper began his career at LVMH. He then led Buckingham…

The Prosecco DOC Consortium has reinforced its focus on the UK with a major advertising investment running until mid-October.  Spanning the London Underground and Prime Video, the DOC said the campaign aims to attract new consumers in one of its most important markets.  Across the London Underground, six-sheet posters are now across 61 stations, complemented by digital video sharing imagery associated…

Gusbourne has described its 2026 harvest as an exceptional year and a “big personality” vintage, following an unusually early picking season.  Picking began on 26 August and finished on 18 September, two weeks earlier than in 2025, with the warm summer requiring close attention to sugar and acidity levels.  Head vineyard manager Jon Pollard said Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier were particularly…

Parfetts, the employee-owned wholesaler, has expanded into Carlisle with its off-license fascia, The Local.  Opening four new off-licenses located on Old Raffles Parade, Denton Holme, Harraby and Furze Street, the deal was made with independent retailer Mark Duckworth.  The move sees all four shops transform from their previous Bargain Booze fascias, under which they had traded for 20 years.  Now,…

Yorkshire Heart, located near York, has introduced around 100 Merlot vines, as warmer conditions are making it possible to experiment with varieties traditionally suited to warmer climates.  Typically planted in warm-weather climates such as Bordeaux in south-west France, Merlot plantings remain scarce in the UK.  Tim Spakouskas, owner of Yorkshire Heart, however, said he is open to expanding its Merlot plantings. …