Drinks news

We have ways of making you drink

In an effort to boost sales of German wine in UK restaurants, Wines of Germany is mounting several major initiatives this year. One that's of immediate interest to the on-trade is the German Wine List Awards. The competition kicks off on 1 February, when 4,000 entry forms will be mailed to potential entrants.

"It's designed to seek out and endorse worthwhile listings of German wines in both the catering sector and in the wine retail sector from which restaurants source their supplies," says a spokeswoman for Wines of Germany.

And just in case you thought that the dusty bottle of Liebfraumilch you haven't managed to get rid of might be a contender, the entry form comes with "accompanying information that will act as an educational package" with a firm brief, stressing just what is allowed.

Those who make it to the shortlist get a Highly Commended certificate, then those lists will be judged. Prizes include a food and wine trip to Germany. For more information contact Wines of Germany on 0171-388 2525.

Not so wine-savvy?

Try Wine for Dummies, by Ed McCarthy & Mary Ewing-Mulligan. The second edition is out now, published by IDG (Transworld), price £14.99. It covers all the basics - including wine-making, grape varieties and wine styles, as well as how to read a label and choose a good wine over a bad one. It also includes tips on wine to go with food, and how to store wines.