Chris Losh

Columnist at Just-Drinks

Journalist at Freelance

Booze hack, editor and part time northern grump.

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Articles

Sober curious: why events should expand their drinks offerings

2 months ago | harpers.co.uk | Chris Losh

HomeAnalysis & Insights By Chris LoshPublished: 17 February, 2025Hospitality events are way behind the curve when it comes to their alcohol-free drinks offering, according to a new report published by the team at Club Soda. It shines a spotlight on a sclerotic system in which wholesalers, distributors, venues, event organisers and caterers express good intentions in the area yet routinely underdeliver. Access to this article is restricted.
Winery tastings and tours: 14 top picks to discover

2 months ago | decanter.com | Chris Losh

Arguably the biggest changes in wine over the last decade have not come in the bottle, but in the accessibility of the wineries themselves. It’s not that long ago that visits used to be largely of the ‘phone ahead, cross your fingers and hope for the best’ variety. Now the vast majority of producers are open for tastings and tours, while websites make booking a doddle. It’s safe to say, however, that not all visits are created equal.
Insights from the World Alcohol-Free Awards

2 months ago | dryatlas.com | Chris Losh |Dry Atlas

By Chris Losh, Co-Founder of the World Alcohol-Free AwardsOne of the most striking aspects of non-alcoholic growth has been its speed. When Seedlip launched a decade ago, it was hailed as a trailblazer. Today, there are hundreds of non-alcoholic botanical spirits aloneâmost of that growth happening in just the past few years. That rapid expansion is why we founded the World Alcohol-Free Awards in 2022.
Blurred lines: Where do soft drinks end and non-alcs begin?

Jan 23, 2025 | drinksretailingnews.co.uk | Chris Losh |Lucy Britner

By Chris Losh January 23, 2025As functionality becomes more important and alcohol alternatives grow increasingly sophisticated, where do soft drinks end and non-alcs begin? And where do retailers put these drinks on their shelves? Chris Losh investigatesWhen David Begg, founder of the Real Drinks Co, started out seven years ago, it was so hard to get listings for his sparkling tea that the head of one large group dismissed him with theline “why do I need you when I have Coke?”.
‘Predictions’ for 2025!

Jan 23, 2025 | planetwine.co.za | Chris Losh |Johann Crafford

By Chris LoshWith half of the world either on fire, under water or at war, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting on record for wine drinkers, producers and retailers everywhere. And by ‘exciting’ of course, we mean ‘terrifying’.
Chris Losh: Predictions for 2025

Jan 18, 2025 | news.wine.co.za | Chris Losh

You might, of course, be tempted to lock yourself in the cellar with that case of 1982 Mouton that you bought back in the days when you had money, pull a giant Maga hat over your head and ask friends and family to wake you up when it’s all over – assuming the planet hasn’t been reduced to a smouldering husk. Though even then the Italians would probably still find a way of producing suspiciously large amounts of Prosecco.
Chris Losh: Predictions for 2025

Jan 14, 2025 | decanter.com | Chris Losh

You might, of course, be tempted to lock yourself in the cellar with that case of 1982 Mouton that you bought back in the days when you had money, pull a giant Maga hat over your head and ask friends and family to wake you up when it’s all over – assuming the planet hasn’t been reduced to a smouldering husk. Though even then the Italians would probably still find a way of producing suspiciously large amounts of Prosecco.
Is the writing on the wall for Australian Shiraz?

Jan 7, 2025 | thedrinksbusiness.com | Chris Losh

Australia’s flagship grape variety is at a crossroads with wine producers looking to reinvent Shiraz for the modern age, Chris Losh discovers. Does the world care about Australian Shiraz any more? That isn’t a loaded question, but one asked out of genuine curiosity. After all, I’ve written (and read) more over the last five years about Australia’s new-look Chardonnay, Mediterranean varieties and the Grenache renaissance than I have about the country’s most planted variety.
Why 2024 vintage could be final straw for wine growers in France

Oct 20, 2024 | finance.yahoo.com | Chris Losh

France’s wine producers will not look back with any affection on the 2024 vintage. It has hit growers across the country with a bewildering array of problems – ‘frost, coulure, hail, mildew, drought – take your pick’, one grower said gloomily. While some regions have been more affected than others, none have escaped. Repercussions are likely to be felt in the short, medium and long-term. Volumes in 2024 always looked likely to be below average.
Sherry producers are starting to make table wine

Oct 3, 2024 | thedrinksbusiness.com | Chris Losh

As Sherry sales plummet, producers are turning to Vinos de Pasto to put their grapes to good use, reports Chris Losh. The last 50 years have not been kind to Sherry as a category. Sales are in steady – and apparently irreversible decline.