Applications for the second Shaw + Smith Travel Scholarships organised by leading Australian winery Shaw + Smith, are officially open in both Singapore and Hong Kong. Last year’s Asian scholarship winners Dexter Foo of Singapore and Alan Tse of Hong Kong in the Shaw+Smith winery Hong Kong has developed into a dynamic wine hub and demand for wine education is still growing enormously. This scholarship will give people working in the local wine trade – either in retail or hospitality – experience at one of the world’s top vineyards and allow them to learn more about the Australian wine...

Following news that the region of Champagne is promoting itself as a major tourist destination, we round up the best places to eat in the appellation – according to those who live and work in it. Two star dining at Le Parc within the hotel Les Crayeres It was announced yesterday by the drinks business that the region of Champagne has created a new slogan and logo to encapsulate its appeal to tourists – La Champagne, refined art de vivre – coupled with a new website for potential visitors – visitlachampagne.travel However, for many years db has been exploring the options available to those travelling...

Pernod Ricard-owned whiskey group Irish Distillers has refreshed the labels of its premium Redbreast whiskey to highlight its “endearing brand personality” and attract new consumers. The bottles will now feature the Robin Redbreast, hand drawn by illustrator Denise Nestor, while tasting notes have also been included on the front label to “showcase the unique characteristics of each expression”, according to ID. The new design will be released throughout 2019, with Redbreast 12 Year Old, Redbreast 15 Year Old and Redbreast Lustau available from July. New packaging will...

London-based distillery Bloomsbury Atelier is launching Cubana, a new, limited edition rum in Hong Kong, bolstering the city’s status as a dynamic hub for innovative drinks. In what is the first in a series of geographically unique releases from Bloomsbury Atelier, Cubana takes it key flavours and ingredients from the “seas and shores” of Cuba and the rum is described as “an ode to Caribbean fermentation” and a “distillation of the Cuban cigar”. The base rum was distilled from sugar cane, and the spirit is flavoured with ingredients including Cuban cigar tobacco, cured black lime and fermented...

As the debate over global warming – and the introduction of new varieties – intensifies across Bordeaux, Chateau Lafite’s President and CEO Jean-Guillaume Prats remains optimistic about the region’s future. “I actually feel quite positive about climate change – the quality of wine in Bordeaux has never been better, and this is due to improving weather conditions and rising temperatures,” said Prats. “People used to harvest in raincoats – now they need t-shirts and sun hats. The last 15 years have seen several extraordinary vintages, so in that sense,...

Two decades after her debut on the Left Bank in Paris, the chef and restaurateur has opened her new flagship restaurant called Marsan by Hélène Darroze. Formerly the site of Michelin starred Restaurant Hélène Darroze on Rue d’Assas, the chef has named the concept in homage to her home region in Les Landes in south-west France. Offering a new menu and a redesigned interior, Marsan has opened following an eleven month renovation. With a menu that champions seasonal ingredients and the restaurant’s chosen producers, Darroze has created dishes with the intention of taking guests on a culinary...

A gang of thieves have reportedly stolen hundreds of thousands of euros worth of fine wine from a famous restaurant in Paris, the latest audacious wine heist in the French capital. The robbery at the Michelin-starred Maison Rostang in the 17th district was discovered on Monday with around 150 bottles worth an estimated €400,000-600,000 having been taken. According to various media reports, a narrow opening just 50cm across was discovered in the cellar wall through which the thieves are thought to have gained access. The cellar is currently being renovated but is known to have contained labels...

Vijay Mallya, the fugitive former head of India’s United Spirits, has successfully argued that he should be allowed to appeal against extradition. (Photo: Wiki) After hearing arguments from Clare Montgomery QC, Mallya’s counsel, Mr Justice Leggatt and Mr Justice Popplewell, granted him permission appeal to the High Court in London that the decision in February by British Home Secretary Sajid Javid to order his extradition to India was ill-founded. Mallya’s case will now be heard by the Court of Appeal at a date to be set. He will remain on bail until the hearing. Mallya is...