Tequila brand Cazcabel celebrated the opening of its new £37m distillery in San Francisco de Asis this week.

US wine company Jackson Family Wines has entered the American whiskey category with the launch of its Stonestreet Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

Laurent and Catherine Delaunay, founders and owners of Badet Clément, have unveiled a new name for their international family wine group, Delaunay Vins & Domaines.

Drinks distributor Speciality Brands has signed an agreement with Chopin Vodka, to exclusively distribute the Polish brand in the UK from this October.

London gin distiller, Hayman’s, has launched its first out of home (OOH) advertising campaign ‘The Original Gin’, to begin in London, rolled out internationally over the next few months.

In September, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto celebrated the anniversary of its sixth year. To mark the occasion, the brand announced the release of a new book outlining the first five years of Italicus. Drinks International caught up with founder Giuseppe Gallo to talk about the evolution of the brand.

House of Hazelwood has released its Autumn Collection, consisting of eight rare and old Scotch whiskies.

Paul Symington has been awarded a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Treasury Wine Estates, one of the world’s largest wine companies, has announced an agreement to acquire Frank Family Vineyards including the historic winery, brand and vineyard holdings.

The Bollinger family has announced the acquisition of Oregon-based Ponzi Vineyards which will be its first winery in the US.

Colin Scott has retired from his role as the custodian master blender of Chivas Regal after enjoying an illustrious 47-year career in the Scotch whisky industry. Drinks International caught up with the esteemed blender on his final day at the office.

Port producer Graham’s has released a commemorative edition of its 2015 Late Bottled Vintage to mark its bicentenary.

A craft spirits startup in Minnesota has secured the services of Irish Distillers’ master distiller Brian Nation.

A British family from the Isles of Scilly has created a new rum called Daymark 1683 Original.

The Grant family has released a new limited edition of its 20-year old Glenfarclas 105 single malt.

Gallo Family Vineyards has partnered with Australian celebrity, Holly Valance, to publicise its newly launched Moscato wine in the UK.

Boisset, La Famille des Grands Vins has purchased the Skalli winery and brands in the Languedoc and Rhône Valley. The financial details were not disclosed. 

John Halewood of Halewood International has died. He passed away on October 15.

Gallo Family Vineyards has announced a partnership to launch the world’s first-ever scented nail wrap.

Carlos Santana has become joint owner of Casa Noble tequila in Mexico.

Portugal: The Blandy Group has regained control of the Madeira Wine Company (MWC) from Symington Family Estates. Symington will still retain a minority share in the business, but intends to concentrate on its Cockburn port brand, which it purchased last year.

Brand Phoenix has been appointed distributors for Angove Family Winemakers in the UK off-trade.

Brand marketer, The Paddington Corporation, has announced a joint venture with 3 Amigos Tequila to market its range globally.

Scotland: The Wemyss family has launched a small batch gin called Darnley’s View. Darnley’s View celebrates the meeting of Mary Queen of Scots and her husband Lord Darnley at the Wemyss family home, Wemyss Castle in Fife, in 1565.