Drinks news

Designer wines

IF BOTTLE label and design counts, Whitbread should have considerable success with its range of Regional Classics. The design concept from Nucleus Design supports the brand mark with the use of regional maps on each label.

There are currently 32 wines available through Whitbread's retail outlets and its restaurants, hotels and pubs.

The wines are just beginning to appear, and it will be interesting to see how this marketing exercise works with customers.

Taittinger Prize

THE Champagne house of Taittinger deserves congratulations on entering its 28th year as sponsor of the Taittinger international culinary prize for young chefs.

It is open to chefs between the ages of 24 and 49 and finalists will this year be drawn from 10 European countries including Great Britain. Application forms from James Long on 0279 655935.

Wine at Olympia

THE International Festival of Wine and Food, sponsored by the Sunday Times and Decanter magazine will be held at Olympia, London from 6-9 October.

Although the fair is aimed primarily at consumers it should also be of considerable interest to restaurateurs.

Leaflets and tickets are available from the box office on 071-373 8141.