Beringer and Kendall-Jackson to merge?

At the time of going to press, it is believed that negotiations between two of California's two major wine companies have been going on for the last three months.

K-J chief executive Lew Platt has denied that it might be sold to Beringer. Combined, their sales would exceed $636 million. K-J founder Jess Jackson is expected to keep his Artisans & Estates brands.

Jackson and his wife were in London recently hosting a tasting of their Artisan wines.