The medical profession’s loss was the wine industry’s gain , but it is not known if Mrs Hobbs ever forgave his father. Hobbs enrolled in the master of food science course in the department of oenology at the University of California in Davis – shorthanded to UC Davis by anyone who knows where the best winemaking courses are held. He says: "I came over to California…

While the Chilean wine industry is still best known among consumers for soft, fruity, easy-to-drink red wines, things are changing. Two emerging themes are cool-climate wines and Sauvignon Blanc. Forget growing grapes in near-perfect conditions along the flat valleys watered by rivers swollen with Andean snow melt. Cool climate is the new viticultural buzz for Chilean winemakers and Sauvignon Blanc is the variety leading the…

To get it out of the way , the question on most people’s lips has to be: "What do the Queen and Prince Philip drink?" The affable 50-year-old laughs and says: "I can’t tell you that because if I told you today, I would be out of a job tomorrow." End of the chance to break a great drinks stor y. Berry takes over from…

Côrte-Real is crucial to Cockburn’s. While the brand has continued to hold sway – it has more than 20 per cent of UK sales, way ahead of its nearest rival, the fact is that it has been neglected. In the deal that carved up Allied-Domecq, it was one of the raft of brands in flat or declining markets that Pernod Ricard handed to Beam’s parent,…

Sans Ginola, the wine would barely get a mention, but with the former French international’s involvement, the IWC publicity machine has kicked into action and the great man is due to appear on the stand. Normally the wine trade’s very own celebrities, Tim Atkin and Charles Metcalfe, have the floor to themselves. Not this Tuesday – this Super Tuesday for the IWC and LIWF. There’s…

The third no-no was once available on Eurostar but, surprisingly, is no longer. "It was too popular; people wanted too much of it . It cost too much, quite frankly," he says, before quickly moving on to the next subject. "I’m much happier talking about Champagne, which is a crucial part of the Eurostar experience. "It’s the ultimate Leisure Select drink . They’re the people…