db’s top 10 biggest news stories of the year: 2022

It has been another rollercoaster year in the world of drinks. But with the cost of living crisis, frequently changing Prime Ministers, and yet more celebrities entering the alcoholic beverage industry, here are our picks for the 10 biggest stories of 2022.

It has been an incredibly challenging year for the hospitality industry, with the cost of doing business skyrocketing and shortages pretty much everywhere you look. But with Covid restrictions lifting and a winter World Cup to enjoy, there are reasons to be cheerful as we head in 2023.

These are our picks for the biggest stories from 2021.

1. All the wines served at King Charles’ first State Banquet

This year saw the sad loss of Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles’ ascension to the throne. Wines served at the King’s first State Banquet included Ridgeview’s Blanc de Blancs 2016, a £77 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot Clos de la Chapelle, a £55 Château Rieussec 1er Grand Cru Classé Sauternes 2007, a £75 Taylor’s Vintage Port 1983, plus a Château Feytit-Clinet Pomerol 2000.

2. Top 10 countries that drink the most wine

If you’re reading this article, there’s an excellent chance that you love wine. But do you know which countries drank the most of it in 2022?

3. Can your nail varnish tell you if your drink has been spiked?

Sadly, the worrying issue of drink spiking once again came to the fore in 2022, with concerning reports emerging from across the UK. This did lead to some excellent public information around the subject, though, as well as bartenders raising awareness of how vulnerable patrons can subtly ask for help in venues.

4. Jacob Rees-Mogg sparks industry concern with sparkling wine plastic bottle plan

This year has seen people across the alcoholic beverage sector contend with the fallout of Brexit, and one plan from the then-Minister for Brexit Opportunities Jacob Rees-Mogg sparked particular confusion after he suggested that fizz could be sold in plastic bottles, instead of the standard issue glass.

5. Drinking wine could lower risk of Covid infection, study finds

The role polyphenols, found in red wine, play in our overall health is an interesting and emerging area of research. This study found that compared with non-drinkers, risk of developing COVID-19 was 10–17% lower in red wine consumers, and 7–8% lower in white wine and champagne drinkers.

6. Map shows the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe 

If you want to enjoy Michelin star quality food on a budget, here are some excellent options that won’t break the bank.

7. Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul spotted handing out mezcal samples in Costco

There was a thrill for cash and carry customers in the US this year when Breaking Bad stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul made surprise appearances in Costco to hand out samples of their mezcal brand, Dos Hombres.

8. South Africa’s first black billionaire buys Stellenbosch winery 

Mining tycoon Patrice Motsepe snapped up Hidden Valley Winery in the famed South African wine region of Stellenbosch for more than US$5million.

9. Owner of Bordeaux château arrested in huge fake Bordeaux supermarket fraud

French police made more than 20 arrests pertaining to the large-scale scam that involved wine sold to supermarket buyers in France and other countries. The gang had bought cheap wine from other French regions and countries including Spain, before bottling it at a secret location under the cover of darkness and adding self-printed Bordeaux châteaux labels.

And finally…

10. 10 of the most expensive bottles of Champagne in the world

What better way to toast the end of the year – and ring in a new one – than with 10 of the most dizzyingly expensive bottles of Champagne the world has to offer? Cheers! Merry Christmas, and a very happy New Year.

Thank you for reading the drinks business this year. See you in 2023!