The TTB is extending the comment period for Notice No. 78, Proposed Revision of American Viticultural Area Regulations, for an additional 60 days, and extending the comment period for Notice No. 77, Proposed Establishment of the Calistoga Viticultural Area, for an additional 90 days. Written comments on Notice Numbers 77 and 78 must now be … Continue reading “TTB EXTENDS COMMENT PERIOD FOR AVA PROPOSALS”

America’s other favorite con, Joe Francis, is in a tizzy over “Girls Gone Wine” winery, based in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. He says the small winery infringes on his tasteful “Girls Gone Wild” video empire, which features topless college girls and ultimately landed Francis in jail. The AP reports that an attorney for Mantra Films Inc. … Continue reading “SMALL WINERY IN OK “TAKES ADVANTAGE” OF JOE FRANCIS”

585 Wine Partners announced it has entered into an equity partnership with Quivira Vineyards in the production, marketing and distribution of Steelhead, a Dry Creek Valley brand introduced by Quivira in 2003. Steelhead becomes the newest addition to 585 Wine Partners’ brand portfolio which includes Red Truck Wines, Picket Fence Winery and the recently introduced … Continue reading “585 WINE PARTNERS FORMS J-V WITH QUIVIRA VINEYARDS”

is conducting a symposium February 27 entitled, Wine Retailing 2008: Change & Opportunity. It takes place in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California at the Kendall Jackson Wine Center. The symposium is mean to “address the needs and interests of retailers who sell direct.”Tickets are $200 per person until January 1. To learn more, click here. … Continue reading “THE SPECIALTY WINE RETAILERS”

India’s Economic Times is reporting that UB Group is considering buying the US distribution rights to Dalmore Single Malt, currently owned by Beam Global. UB chairman Vijay Mallya is expected to pay $60-80 million for the Whyte & Mackay brand, a British company that Mallya purchased earlier this year. When contacted by the newspaper, a … Continue reading “UB GROUP CONSIDERS BUYING DALMORE U.S. DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS”

Brown-Forman has appointed Ralph de Chabert as the company’s first chief diversity officer, effective December 18, 2007. As chief diversity officer, Ralph will be responsible for developing and implementing a global diversity and inclusion strategy initially in the U.S. In all, he will focus on B-F’s marketing efforts with diverse consumer groups, the company’s workforce, … Continue reading “B-F APPOINTS FIRST EVER CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER”

After WSD reported yesterday that Morgan Stanley and several of its subsidiaries acquired a 6.5% stake in Pernod Ricard, the bank has reduced its stake in Pernod below the 5% threshold. The bank now holds a 4.94% of the capital and 4.47% of the voting rights of the group. Morgan Stanley remains Pernod’s second largest … Continue reading “MORGAN STANLEY REDUCES STAKE IN PERNOD”

Constellation is moving its headquarters from Woodcliff Office Park in Perinton, NY to Victor, NY in the state’s Finger Lakes wine region. The company says it has simply outgrown its current office and needs more room to accommodate its ever expanding staff. The three-story building in Victor, located 20 miles southeast of Rochester, is expected … Continue reading “CONSTELLATION MOVES HQ TO FINGER LAKES REGION”

of Texas says it has acquired Houston-based Calice Wine Company. The transaction is scheduled to close November 30, 2007. Financial terms were not disclosed. You are unauthorized to view this page. Username Password Remember Me     Forgot Password

A report in Convenience Store News says Tesco is looking at expanding its U.S. Fresh & Easy concept to New York, Florida and opening a distribution center in Chicago after generating buzz on the West Coast. Tesco’s strategy centers on opening new stores quickly before it is copied by other retailers.However, a source told Retail … Continue reading “TESCO LOOKS TO THE EAST”

Vijay Mallya’s UB Group says it will launch close to 30 international wine labels by January 2008. The imports hail from France, Italy and South Africa. The Group (based in India) already has launched 13 labels from France, 7 from New Zealand and two from Australia. Where are the U.S. wines?“We are market leaders in … Continue reading “UB GROUP ENTERS WINE BIZ HEAD FIRST”

Based on a report released today by analysts CTI Investment Research, UK publication Harper’s is reporting that Diageo is looking for beer, spirits and wine acquisitions. In particular, Diageo is considering both small and larger scale wineries. As you’ll recall, Diageo, along with E&J Gallo, was reportedly in talks to acquire Fortune’s wine assets before … Continue reading “DIAGEO ON THE PROWL FOR WINE”

Morgan Stanley has become the second largest shareholder in Pernod Ricard after upping its stake in the French company to 6.5% over the last couple of months. With an average price of 155 euros per share, the stake cost about $1.48 billion. The Ricard family remains Pernod’s top shareholder with a 10.7% stake. You are … Continue reading “MORGAN STANLEY BUYS 2ND LARGEST STAKE IN PERNOD”

In Remy Cointreau’s first half results, the company reported organic operating profit growth of 12.7% overall and organic growth in turnover up 9.8%.Cognac sales grew 13% organically, while liqueurs and spirits recorded organic growth in turnover of 5%. Champagne, meanwhile, grew 15% in organic growth turnover. The company said Piper-Heidsieck achieved sustained growth and Charles … Continue reading “REMY COINTREAU: U.S. PARTNER BRANDS ACHIEVE “REMARKABLE” GROWTH”

A new study from the Nielsen Company confirms important themes in Millennial drinking, including the generation’s willingness to experiment with new products and pay a premium for alcohol. It’s all about the image, right?Also known as “The Next Great Generation,” which is news to us, the 70 million Millennials outnumber Generation Xers (31 – 44 … Continue reading “A CRASH COURSE IN HOW MILLENNIALS DRINK”