Fine wine on the up despite recession fears

Sainsbury's is to double the number of branches offering a fine wine range to 120 following a 47% increase in fine wines in the past year. It puts the increase down to the fact that consumers don't want to forego small luxuries in the recession. The range will include its recently re-branded Classic Selection. The supermarket says its Taste the Difference range is also performing well and is the fastest growing part of the wine category. At the other end of the wine spectrum, they have also seen increases in bag-in-box and their House range.

Meanwhile London restaurant operator D&D is planning to open a fine wine store in the City at The Old Bengal Warehouse in New Street, EC2. The building, which was built in 1771, will be transformed into two restaurants, bars and a high-end wine merchant specialising in Bordeaux and Burgundy wines and opening in spring 2012.