categories performing ahead of the distilled spirits average growth included Tequila, with another exceptional year of 9.4 percent sales growth, and Cognac, with sales growth of 16.2 percent.

A “transformational year” for British drinks distributor and retailer Conviviality has seen its H1 revenue rise by 38% to £252 million.

Californian producers are showing “broad participation” in the sustainable wine making programme run by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, according to its latest report.

The “extraordinarily elegant” 2013 vintage of Sassicaia from Tenuta San Guido has been released.

Fine wine’s strong start to the year has been confirmed after the Liv-ex Fine Wine 100 index rose over 1% in January.

English craft brewery Red Squirrel has launched a £500,000 crowdfunding drive to help expand the business.

Traditionally a beer-related sporting event, the NFL Super Bowl is increasingly leading to a boost in wine sales.

Chicago-based auction house Hart Davis Hart has announced its first auction of 2016 will be held later this month.

Following on from our round-up of medal-winning Rieslings priced under £15, we take a look at the best performing wines priced over £15, as judged in The Drinks Business Riesling Global Masters, all of which were awarded a coveted Master.

Several verticals of The Macallan attracted strong bids at Sotheby’s opening Hong Kong sale of 2016.