The Australian Grape and Wine Authority’s (AGWA) Future Leaders program is currently open to applicants in the industry. The program seeks to find 15 individuals in the wine and grape industry who have open, creative and inquisitive minds and who are already demonstrating leadership potential in their early- to mid-career. Successful applicants will go on to take part in a six-month personal and professio...

At the end of last year, Raj Nagra, Global Brand Ambassador of 13 years for Bombay Sapphire was in Australia, supporting the launch of the brand’s latest initiative here – Project Botanicals. Project Botanicals was a unique activation run by the brand between mid-November to the beginning of December, which invited consumers to its pop-up bar and restaurant in Melbourne for a unique and new ‘Ginstronomy’ ...

Chairman and founder of Agnew Wines, Brian Agnew, sadly passed away on Tuesday after battling pancreatic cancer for the last two years. Agnew Wines says Mr. Agnew died peacefully with his wife Valerie Agnew. Mr. Agnew was just 69 years of age. During his life, Mr. Agnew was responsible for the foundation of Hunter Valley wine brands - Audrey Wilkinson, Poole’s Rock, Cockfighter’s Ghost and Firestick wine ...

Businesses in Victoria have voiced concerns this week after the State Government announced a proposal to introduce Easter Sunday and the AFL Grand Final Eve as new public holidays. Businesses say they are concerned that the extra holidays would impose additional cost burdens on retailers in an already tough trading environment. Jos de Bruin, CEO of leading association for the independent grocery and liquo...

Taylors Wines has received the trophy for Clare Valley Wine of the Year at this week’s China Wine and Spirits Best Value Awards. The winery received the trophy for its 2014 Taylors Estate Merlot (RRP $18.95). Taylors also took away five double gold and gold medals. This is the second year in a row that Taylors has taken away a major trophy from the awards; the winery won Australian Wine of the Year in 201...

The Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing has reminded licensees this week that the remaining Liquor Act review reforms introduced by the Liquor Legislation Amendment (Statutory Review) Act 2014 will become effective as of March 1 this year. From March 1, not-for-profit organisations will be exempt from having to have a liquor licence for up to six fundraising function a year, while licensed brewers and dis...

Today, Angus Barnes, the new National Chair of the Wine Communicators of Australia (WCA), announced this year's Legend of the Vine Award, as well as the 2015 Major Trophy Winners. The Legend of the Vine Award, which recognises a member of the wine industry who has made an outstanding contribution to the wine business and industry at large, was awarded to Robert Hirst. "I can't begin to tell what this awar...

Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) is under investigation after evidence of the brewing giant using “unlawful” tactics to push out smaller breweries came to surface this week. Consumer advocacy group Choice has said that it has evidence of CUB demanding exclusivity to taps from pubs in return for cash bribes, limiting availability for distribution of smaller brewers. Tom Godfrey, spokesman for Choice to...

Distributed by: Taylors Wines RRP:$18.95 Taylors Wines has released five new wines from the 2013 and 2014 vintages into its Estate range, including three reds and two whites. The 1973 Taylors Estate Cabernet Sauvignon was the first ever wine to be produced on the Taylor family winery and went on to win a gold medal at every national wine show entered. The Estate range aims to showcase the terroir of the ...