James Bayley

A Surrey vineyard has uncovered an extraordinary connection to a World War II secret agent who parachuted into a French vineyard before helping the Resistance. The story behind Greyfriars' Yvonne cuvée became even more remarkable when a descendant of the spy turned up for a vineyard tour.

A study of almost two million Google reviews has revealed the UK's best and worst-rated Wetherspoons pubs, with five recently opened venues occupying the bottom five places.

European wine producers have welcomed a committee vote rejecting tougher language on alcohol-related health risks and restrictions on wine promotion. However, the European Parliament has yet to vote on the report, with a decision expected in November.

Hollywood star Jason Momoa joined Matty White and Jon Almond for a few drinks in London, as The Drinks Trust celebrated its 140th anniversary with a record-breaking charity Gala. Elsewhere, South African wine producers descended on Lindley Hall and Zorzettig opened a new winery in Friuli.

Some of Britain's biggest pub and hospitality operators have pledged to create 100,000 jobs for unemployed young people over the next three years. The government-backed initiative comes as the sector faces mounting financial pressures, with hundreds of pubs expected to close in 2026.

Italian packaging group Guala Closures has agreed to acquire most of the production equipment from G3 Enterprises' aluminium wine screwcap business. The deal will expand manufacturing capacity in Mexico as the company seeks to strengthen its supply network across the Americas.

Germany's wine harvest is expected to produce high-quality grapes but significantly lower volumes following an exceptionally dry summer. However, new government figures suggest the decline may be less severe than initially feared, with production forecast to increase on last year.

Moët & Chandon has retained its position as the world's most valuable Champagne and wine brand, according to Brand Finance's 2026 rankings. The top ten are collectively worth US$8.2 billion, with Champagne brands recording the strongest growth as still wine struggles.

Rafael Nadal has entered the wine business by launching El Tenista, an organic Monastrell produced in partnership with Spain's Gil Family Estates. The former tennis world number one has helped revive an old vineyard estate in Jumilla, with the wine set to reach UK shelves priced at around £58.

California winegrowers are increasingly exploring dry farming as a way to reduce irrigation and prepare for future droughts. Allison Jordan of Wine Institute told the drinks business that a new industry project has uncovered dozens of growers already using the technique, with others now beginning trials of their own.