New Zealand Wine Week returns for 2023

After the success of New Zealand Wine Week events in 2021 and 2022, New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) has announced that it will be kicking off the third New Zealand Wine Week on 30 January.

Wadsack and Parkinson to host virtual Koshu tasting

Harpers Wine & Spirits will be joined by two of the UK’s leading presenters to host an online tasting dedicated to the wonders of the Koshu grape, Japan's key indigenous varietal.

New Zealand Winegrowers to embrace hybrid event model in 2022

Following the success of the inaugural virtual New Zealand Wine Week in 2021, New Zealand Winegrowers will expand the format to include a mixture of live events and digital shows in 2022, beginning on 8 February 2022 (NZT).

Côtes de Bordeaux to host virtual trade training event

A dedicated virtual trade training event to explore the wines of Côtes de Bordeaux is being held on 19 October 2021.

The pros and cons of LWF

As a first, it was hard to predict how well last month’s London Wine Fair (LWF) Digital Edition would work for both visitors and exhibitors. Lisa Riley reports.

Events: A hybrid future

With a degree of normality beginning to return, Andrew Catchpole gets a taste of the tastings to come.

Preview: London Wine Fair 2021 heads online

The 40th London Wine Fair (LWF) is set to be a digital event this year, boasting a range of tastings, industry sessions, one-to-one meetings with winemakers and networking opportunities.

WoSA's Insider Sessions return for 2021

Wines of South Africa (WoSA) is running another series of the Insider Sessions in 2021, following the success of the 2020 events.

Last call for SITT Digital Day

Independent buyers across the on- and off-trade have got just one day left to wait for the Specialist Importers Trade Tastings (SITT) virtual event.  

Sample registration opens for the b.f.t’s first virtual event

London Wine Fair 2021 will be 100% digital

Organisers of the London Wine Fair (LWF) have discarded hopes of running a Covid-secure physical event and have now confirmed a virtual only schedule.

Long Read: A virtual Christmas will pave the course for 2021

While big parties and large gatherings may be off the menu, premium drinks sales are still expected to grow this Christmas thanks to the rise and rise of online channels.

Wine GB calls on trade to get behind virtual English Wine Week

Wine GB has called on the trade to get behind its newly launched virtual format of English Wine Week, which will take place from 20 to 28 June.

Diageo’s Learning for Life hospitality programme takes virtual turn

Diageo’s Learning for Life hospitality skills programme has created a Virtual Hospitality Academy, aimed at bar and restaurant staff seeking to develop their “key skills” in the sector during the pandemic.

Drinks brands should “radically rethink” B2C social media messages

Against the disruption of coronavirus (Covid-19), drinks brands “need to radically rethink their key messages when communicating with consumers on social media”, according to IWSR.

Virtual Happy Hour leads on-trade support initiatives

A new ‘at home tasting’ initiative is looking to support the hospitality industry by encouraging the public to drink at home as if they were at their favourite bars and pubs.

The rise of the virtual sommelier

Last month we talked about virtual reality. This month we look at augmented reality and artificial intelligence and how the big tech companies are poised to bring the sommelier into the home. Jo Gilbert reports

Rémy Martin goes virtual

Rémy Martin is the latest brand to hop on board the virtual reality train to explore new ways of engaging with customers.