Majestic is bringing back classic wines and “getting back to what we do well”, its new boss, John Colley, told the drinks business as it unveiled its newly revamped range this week. John Colley has rejoined Majestic as executive chairman following the company’s acquisition by  Fortress Investment Group Speaking to db at this week’s tasting, newly ensconced executive chairman Colley, who was managing director of the UK retailer between 2015 and 2017 under its previous owner, said the new range contained some household favourites that had for one reason or another, been taken out...

It was standing room only at Southwark Cathedral this morning for a thanksgiving service for the man who “built the Bollinger brand” in the UK, Simon Leschallas. Remembering Simon Leschallas: 1955-2019 In a service that was littered with jokes and anecdotes, along with rousing hymns – and topped off with a glass of Champagne Bollinger – was a brilliant eulogy given by Simon’s great childhood friend Bertie Gore Browne. As part of this, Browne recorded how Simon had employed his “great sales and marketing skills” to establish Bollinger as a powerful Champagne brand in the UK from the early 80s...

Having spent nearly half a century representing American wines around the world,  international sales VP Al Portney is stepping down from his post at Washington’s Ste. Michelle Estates after 25 years. Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, is the 7th largest wine exporter in the United States, with over 3,900 acres of vineyards in Washington, Oregon and California. Speaking for the company, Senior Director of Communications & Corporate Affairs, Ryan Pennington says “we thank Al for his decades of service and wish him the very best in his retirement.” Al Portney has been a champion for American...