Happy New Year Wine Lovers!
Here are five New Year’s wine resolutions:
Local sources have claimed that international tennis star Novak Djokovic purchased some land months ago that was negotiated by his uncle, Goran Djokovic.
Djokovic’s land is located near the village of Šumadija in the heart of Servia’s prime wine region, Šumadija, and according to Vladimir Stojić, director of Media Sector, who represent the Šumadija Winemakers Association, the land will require a period of regeneration as it was listed as a vineyard over 50 years ago, but is currently an abandoned woodland.
“It is now being prepared for the grapevines, with planting taking place likely next spring,”Stojić said. “It is not sure when the winery will be built, but it could be in 2017 or 2018.”
Though no official price tag has been disclosed, it is said that just one hectare of land in the Oplenac region can run anywhere between €4,500 and €8,000 (£3,700 to £6,600).
Source: Drinks Business
LCBO’s Chair Edward Waitzer announced this week the appointment of Dr. George Soleas PhD to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of the LCBO.
“Dr. Soleas has successfully led many aspects of LCBO’s operations and built strong working relationships with suppliers and other key stakeholders. At a time when LCBO faces significant opportunities and challenges, he brings in-depth knowledge of the sector and organization, and a proven record of innovation, teamwork and public service,” says Waitzer.
George joined the LCBO as Director of Quality Assurance in 1997. Under his leadership the department was transformed into a state-of-the-art, profitable and internationally-endorsed laboratory facility. This success led to the expansion of his portfolio in 2008 to include Logistics, where he implemented a series of changes to improve the efficiency and safety of Specialty Services and LCBO retail distribution centres. This included championing the development of LCBO’s patent-pending automatic palletizer technology, which has won many domestic and international awards. In 2013, he was promoted to Executive Vice President, assuming responsibility for Information Technology, Store Development & Real Estate, and Resource Protection.
“LCBO is entering a more competitive marketplace and needs someone with both experience and passion to continue to fulfil its mandate as a profitable, customer-focused and socially responsible retailer. Given the depth of his involvement in the beverage alcohol industry, both inside and outside the LCBO, George is well positioned to guide the organization as it continues to evolve to meet the needs of the marketplace and serve its customers,” Waitzer added.
“I am confident that, with George’s distinguished expertise and intimate knowledge of the beverage alcohol sector, the LCBO will remain an innovative retailer that continues to demonstrate its ability to keep pace and lead changes in the retailing landscape in the province, across Canada and internationally. Under George’s leadership and vision, the LCBO will undoubtedly grow its business in a responsible manner, providing the knowledgeable and helpful experience that customers have come to expect while contributing revenues that help fund important social services Ontarians rely on like health care and education.” Honourable Charles Sousa, Ontario Minister of Finance
“George is known throughout the supplier and agent community as being a true partner. In Quality Assurance, Logistics and as EVP, he has significantly improved operational efficiency while ensuring a fair process for all. This professionalism earned him the Drinks Ontario Partnership Award in 2008. In his various roles with the LCBO he has earned a well-deserved reputation for working collaboratively to take advantage of opportunities and resolve issues quickly to improve the customer experience. With the changing landscape in the beverage alcohol industry, we look forward to continuing to work with George and the LCBO team.” Chris Churchill, President Drinks Ontario
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in collaboration with the Georgian National Tourism Administration recently announced at the World Travel Market in London the 1st UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism – the wine tourism conference will be held in the Kakheti wine region of Georgia September 7-9, 2016.
UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, who led the presentation with the Head of Georgian National Tourism Administration, George Chogovadze and the Georgian Ambassador to Spain, Zurab Pololikashvili, explained: “Wine tourism represents a growing segment with immense opportunities to diversify demand. In the case of Georgia, this potential is well-known and we are very pleased to be holding the first UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism in the country”.
“Georgia’s unique wine-making traditions date back 8,000 years and are part of UNESCO’s intangible heritage, creating the ideal base to host the Wine Tourism Conference. Herewith, the country’s recent success in attracting a growing number of tourists, its development in terms of tourism products, branding and marketing present an excellent platform to share best practices, experience and knowledge” said Dimitry Kumsishvili, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia.
Gastronomy and wine have become key components for experiencing the culture and lifestyle of any destination and a growing travel motivation. To foster the development of this segment UNWTO launched in September, the UNWTO Gastronomy Network.
For more information about the Conference, click here:
http://affiliatemembers.unwto.org/event/1st-unwto-global-conference-wine-tourism
The French Ministry of Agriculture has released its latest estimates for the year 2015. They state that France has harvested approximately 47.7 million hectolitres. The 2015 harvest is up 1% up from last year (47.1 mhl) and up 4% on the five-year average. Production of PGI wines and base wines for brandy is showing a significant increase last year, respectively +5% and +6%. Conversely, production of appellation wines, at 21.61 mhl is marginally down (-2%) on 2014 but 3% higher than the five-year average.
The Ministry of Agriculture ascribes the rise in estimated production to rainfall in August and September, which was particularly beneficial in the western part of the country, especially in Charentes. A report by Agreste states that “bunch weight is one of the highest this decade”. It also points to a surge in production of Cognac compared with previous estimates, with an extra 1 mhl harvested by producers.
France was divided into two halves this year, with the eastern part of the country enduring less favourable weather conditions than other regions. Drought affected Burgundy, Beaujolais and Corsica and reduced production potential compared with August forecasts. Alsace, which was also affected, but to a lesser extent. In the South-East of France, periods of rain in September brought forward harvesting and caused some losses. In Languedoc-Roussillon, the crop is expected to be virtually on a par with last year’s.
Source: Vitisphere
