Top 10 drinks launches from October
From mini formats to creative collaborations and seasonal launches, db rounds up 10 new products that caught our eye this month.
1. CLOUDY BAY SAUVIGNONBLANC 2025
Cloudy Bay has released the 2025 vintage of its flagship Sauvignon Blanc. A warm flowering period in November and December produced
exceptionally full bunches and a higher yield for this vintage. The wine is open and expressive, showing peach and elderflower aromas, with a bright palate of citrus and lemon curd. The iconic winery remains one of Marlborough’s most recognisable names, long associated with defining the style of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. RRP: £26.50 Contact: Cloudy Bay, cloudybay.com
2. NOUGHTY SPARKLING MINI
Premium alcohol-free wine brand Noughty has launched a 200ml format of its flagship Sparkling Chardonnay, following strong demand in the UK and US. Created by Amanda Thomson of Thomson & Scott, the sparkling wine has become a fixture on Michelin-starred wine lists and at luxury hotel bars worldwide. Produced in Germany from Spanish grapes, it delivers the same award-winning 0.0% style in a more portable format. The mini launch expands a growing range that now includes still and sparkling wines across global markets. RRP: £27 for a box of 6 Contact: Noughty, noughtyaf.com
3. THREADCOUNT QUILT CALIFORNIA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Copper Cane Wines & Spirits has expanded its Threadcount range with a new California Cabernet Sauvignon crafted by fifth-generation winemaker Joe Wagner. Sourced from a blend of AVAs across the state, the wine is deep ruby red and full-bodied, with dark berry fruit, toasty oak and smooth tannins. Designed as an expression of “everyday luxury”, the Cabernet offers versatility at the table, pairing with steak, braised short ribs or pasta dishes. It launches in the US this autumn as part of Threadcount’s portfolio. RRP: US$19.99 Contact: Copper Cane Wines & Spirits, quiltandco.com
4. BIJOU LUMEA PROVENCE ROSÉ
Bijou has launched Lumea Provence Rosé 2024, a certified organic release from family-run vineyards in the Côteaux Varois en Provence AOP. Made from Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah, sourced from parcels that sit at 300m–420m on clay-limestone soils, the wine has freshness and aromatic lift. Experimental techniques, including cold maceration and carefully controlled fermentations, have been used to enhance texture and complexity. Presented in a tall bottle with a laser-cut star detail, engraved punt and recycled fibre label, Lumea combines sustainable production with contemporary design. RRP: £18 Contact: Bijou, bijouwine.com
5. CRADLE VALLEY CHARDONNAY 2023
Rathfinny has released the latest addition to its Cradle Valley range, a still Chardonnay from its Sussex estate. The 2023 vintage, a blend of 98% Chardonnay and 2% Pinot Gris, was fermented in stainless steel and matured with oak contact, with partial malolactic fermentation. The result is a light, citrus-driven wine with notes of pear, apple, vanilla and mango, finishing on peach. At 11.5% ABV and suitable for vegans, it pairs well with shellfish or chicken pie. RRP: £25 Contact: Rathfinny, rathfinnyestate.com
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6. SYLVA ORCHARD
Seedlip founder Ben Branson’s latest venture, Sylva, has unveiled its third aged non-alcoholic spirit: Sylva Orchard. Inspired by childhood memories of British orchards and harvest season, the release is distilled from regenerative Suffolk barley and matured with plum, apple and cherry wood, finished with cherry blossom distillate. The result is a fruit-forward spirit with gentle smoke, biscuit notes and a long, smooth finish. With less than a few thousand bottles produced, Sylva Orchard was launched in the UK from 1 September. RRP: £40 Contact: Sylva, sylvalabs.com
7. BALLANTINE’S X GORILLAZ
Ballentine’s has unveiled the latest release in its annual True Music Icons series, marking 25 years of Gorillaz with a limited-edition bottle. The design, created exclusively by Gorillaz co-founder Jamie Hewlett, features neverbefore-seen artwork of the band’s four animated members. The collaboration celebrates Gorillaz’ genre-defying sound and visual innovation, with the bottle positioned as a collector’s item for both whisky drinkers and music fans. It follows previous editions honouring AC/DC, Queen, Elton John and John Lennon. Available in select global markets from October 2025. RRP: Price on application Contact: Ballantine’s, ballantines.com
8. HACIEN LEMON & LIME TEQUILA BLANCO
Premium 100% agave Tequila brand Hacien has added a Lemon & Lime expression to its line-up. Crafted at Casa Maestri in Jalisco, the flavoured blanco combines fresh lemon and Mexican lime with sweet agave and a subtle bergamot undertone. The result is a crisp, clean Tequila with a refreshing citrus finish, designed to elevate classic serves such as the Margarita. It joins Hacien’s expanding flavoured range, which already includes Pineapple and Summer Berries. RRP: £44.95 Contact: Hacien, hacien.com
9. DOUBLE DUTCH 10TH ANNIVERSARY
Premium mixer brand Double Dutch is marking its 10th anniversary with a bold new bottle design. The updated look features swirl-textured glass, metallic lettering, a refined logo and a bespoke crown cap, while also delivering 15% more carbonation for an enhanced serve. Despite the upgrade, the bottle remains the lightest on the mixer market, in line with the brand’s B Corp sustainability commitments. The roll-out begins in Taiwan through Dxcel and Nimbility Asia, with launches in China, Hong Kong and Singapore to follow. RRP: Price on application
Contact: Double Dutch, doubledutchdrinks.com
10. FESTZEIT MÄRZEN LAGER
Vocation Brewery is marking Oktoberfest with Festzeit, a märzen-style lager brewed with Vienna, Munich and Pilsner malts for a toasty, smooth character. At 5.2% ABV, the copper-hued beer balances malt depth with herbal and spicy notes from tettnang hops, fermented cool with a classic German yeast for a clean finish. It is available on draught from 8 September across the UK on-trade and through Vocation’s own bars. Canned versions are only available direct-to-consumer via Vocation’s website. RRP: £79.20 (30-litre keg); £3 per can. Contact: Vocation Brewery, vocationbrewery.com
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