The very idea of a celebrity drinks brand will probably have those, particularly in the more conservative parts of the wine trade spluttering into their claret. However, it's a trend that’s growing and very much here to stay.

"Drop on the Common" is the latest wine bar/bottle shop from the Drop Wine group, in only three months, it has already built up a bank of enthusiastic regulars, keen to find out about the latest adventurous wines the outlet prides itself on.

At the 5th edition of the London Wine Competition which took place in London on March 21 and 22, 2022, canned English wine pioneer, The Uncommon, took home “Best Wine of the Year by Packaging” for its beautifully illustrated Bubbly White Wine.

One of the country’s most prestigious drinks awards and now in its fifth year, the competition recognizes the very best in spirits, not only for their taste but also for their marketability and packaging, as judged by a crack team of drinks experts.

Living with Covid for nearly two years, with repeated lockdowns and self-isolation has given the at home drinking market a huge boost. 

Across the Atlantic, hard seltzers – canned drinks, made from sparkling water, neutral grain alcohol and fruit flavourings - have taken the market by storm in recent years, and while the category is still growing that initial rate of growth has slowed.

Rabbie Burns would be spinning in his grave at the news, but English whisky is fast becoming an established industry, gaining a small, but rapidly growing fan base.

The 2022 London Competitions deadline is now approaching (February 28). If you have a spirits, wine, or beer brand that you are looking to get awareness on in 2022, London Competitions can help you with that.

Tim Triptree MW and international director, Christie's Wine & Spirits department, shares insights into their auction process, quality assurance, and what's hot in the international wine & spirits space amongst collectors.