Wine Universe By Little Somms — often described as the pioneer of China’s modern wine-bar scene — has announced it will close its Shanghai flagship next month, marking the end of an era for a venue that once helped ignite the wine-bar boom in Shanghai and beyond. Read More
Markets
Japanese beer giant Kirin Holdings is in talks with Ankur Jain, founder of Indian beer company B9 Beverages, to exit its investment in the firm. Read More
Despite China’s prolonged slump in wine consumption, Western Australia’s debut showcase in Shanghai told a very different story: nearly 400 buyers, importers and retailers packed into two days of tastings and briefings, signalling that trade enthusiasm for quality wines remains far stronger than the headlines suggest. Read More
The Thai government has reversed a controversial afternoon alcohol ban following outcry from bars, restaurants and tourism groups. Read More
Two restaurant employees in Shanghai have been sentenced to jail after repeatedly swapping customers’ genuine bottles of Moutai with counterfeits, exposing a new vulnerability in a practice many diners once considered the safest way to avoid fake liquor. Read More
K-pop star G-Dragon’s latest venture into the beverage market has become one of South Korea’s biggest drink success stories of the year. Read More
A Chinese entrepreneur set a new record at the annual Hospices de Beaune wine auction after paying €400,000 for the Pièce des Présidents, the event’s headline charity barrel. Read More
Links Concept Family Wine Merchants, one of Hong Kong’s leading wine importers, has been acquired by the United Kingdom–based Coterie Group, becoming part of the company’s expanding global portfolio spanning wine sales, storage and superyacht supply services. Read More
Thailand’s food and beverage sector has been thrown into turmoil after a significant amendment to the Alcohol Control Act came into effect last week, introducing consumer penalties for drinking during restricted hours — a first in the country’s legal history. Read More
Speaking with Vino Joy News during his visit to the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, Allan Sichel outlined how Bordeaux is navigating this period of change — from export struggles and its new campaign for consumer engagement to the uncertain future of en primeur. Read More