Makers of vintage for France’s Beaujolais region have launched a campaign to improve their image and step out the shadow of Beaujolais Nouveau for which the area is best known. But a handful of winemakers producing top-of-the-range wine want to shake off the region’s reputation for poor quality.

“We are the only appellation in the world known for plonk and not for its top quality”, said Jean Bourjade, president of the local trade body.

Consequently some producers will organize three top-end wine tastings a year, in France, Europe and one big export market. In 2009 this will be in the eastern United States with stops in New York, Philadelphia and Florida. (Source: Reuters)

In 2007, Champagne sales in Australia reached the record-breaking figure of 3.31 million bottles, which amounts to a 12% increase over 2006. Champagne sales growth is due to the enthusiasm for luxury products. (Source: Eurowine)

Diageo has bought the world's largest collection of whiskies from a Brazilian whisky enthusiast and shipped them to Scotland.

Featuring 3,384 bottles, the record-breaking collection was built up over 35 years by Claive Vidiz, who scoured the world for whiskies to create the collection.

The bottles, which Diageo purchased for an undisclosed sum, are currently being stored at a high security location in Scotland. (Source: Harpers.com)

Hong Kong has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Wine-related Businesses with Bordeaux. This follows the memorandum agreed with France in August to promote trade in wine. The agreement covers cooperation in wine-related tourism, trade and investment promotion, the transfer of technologies relating to wine storage and manpower training.

Wine imports from France are up 116% in value since Hong Kong abolished wine duty in February. (Source: TheDrinksBusiness.com)

Spanish wine exports increased 15.9% in value and 16.4% in volume over the first quarter of 2008 reaching 454 million euros for 411 liters. The giood results are due in part to the success of cavas and other sparkling wines, but especially to bulk table wine exports which have grown impressively: +43% in value and +33%  in volume. (Source: Eurowine)

“It is illogical that an 18 year old can be licensed to sell alcohol, be a designated supervisor and not buy alcohol in their own shop but can still get married or fight for their country”. (Source: Harpers)

Vodka is the drink of the moment in the Dominican Republic, with sales growing 50% in 2007. Imported brands into the country soared by 60% from 104,400 cases in 2006 to 157,000 cases in 2007. (Source: Dominican Today – IWSR)