Champagne Pol Roger family member Chantal Varenard de Billy has died at the age of 87 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s and eventually succumbing to the Covid-19 virus.

This week in the world of drinks: The Libertines’ Carl Barât partners with Kraken Rum on a new storytelling series; merchants and distilleries turn to social media to deliver expert masterclasses; and Ryan Reynolds pledges support for the hospitality industry.

Brewers in the Czech Republic are stepping up production of beer in cans and bottles rather than keg as the country’s pubs close while also warning close to 1.3 million pints worth of fresh lager will go “off” unless it is drunk soon.

With around 20% of the global population in lockdown, now is the time to round-up the best exercises and crafts you can do at home with a wine bottle.

Pioneering New York-based chef Floyd Cardoz, who introduced the Big Apple to Indian fine dining, has died at the age of 59 from the coronavirus.

South African wineries will be allowed to finish the 2020 harvest and work in their cellars after winemaking processes were deemed “essential” right before a lockdown came into effect in the country.

Rhône Valley winery Gabriel Meffre has launched a range of brightly-coloured rosé bottle in time for summer sales.

Spirits maker Bacardi has ramped up its hand sanitiser production in the fight against coronavirus.

Mark Hunter, the former chief executive of American beer giant Molson Coors, has joined Suffolk-based low ABV ‘craft’ brewery Big Drop Brewing.