Richard Siddle: what sort of community do you hang out in?

Guy Woodward: even Champagne has a lot to learn about consumers

Comedian and writer David Mitchell is among the more perceptive columnists for the once great Observer, so it was with interest that I read his piece on how the taste of Champagne doesn't matter. When it comes to serving sparkling wine, he claimed, so long as it has bubbles, and says Champagne and not Cava on the label, any further qualities are immaterial.

Tim Atkin: why consumers could fall out of love with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Some milestones make you think. Next year will be the 30th anniversary of the founding of Cloudy Bay, one of the most successful wine brands ever, and a label that helped to launch an entire region.

Trademark disputes: Star Wars' owner disputes Empire Strikes Bock Beer

The drinks industry is renowned for its playful and sometimes tongue-in-cheek branding but businesses can wind up in legal disputes if they overstep the mark. Stuart Whitwell considers: where is the line drawn between parody and infringement?

Roger Jones flies his way to Hawkes Bay

An innocent question by the young pilot may possibly have confused both of us, 'what are you like flying in small planes Mr Jones?'  I answered no problem thinking he was asking if I was comfortable travelling in a 2 seater plane, but alas as soon as we took off he said 'you can take over now', so for the next 30 minutes Wales' equivalent to the Red Arrows was weaving down the coast from Gisborne to Hawkes Bay.

Roger Jones continues his Kiwi tour by discovering "hidden secrets" of Gisborne

Roger Jones continues his wine and gastronomic tour of New Zealand with a trip to Gisborne:

Caroline Gilby MW uncovers Cyprus's burgeoning wine industry

Sun, sea and sand are not factors normally associated with quality wine production, but once you leave the high-rise hotels and holiday villas of the coast, inland Cyprus is a fascinating ancient wine landscape, discovers Caroline Gilby MW.

Matthew Gaughan enjoys celebrating Pinot Noir with Sonoma winemakers

This past Sunday, as winemakers wound down from this year's condensed harvest, the well-to-do Sonoma town of Healdsburg hosted the annual Pinot on the River festival, a celebration of the region's exciting up-and-coming Pinot Noirs. Originally held on the sometimes muddy banks of the Russian River, the festival is now located in Healdsburg's picturesque, well-paved main square, attracting an enthusiastic sell-out crowd on the busiest day of the festival's history yet.

Jerry Lockspeiser on why we could all do our bit to help in fight against ebola

The Millione wine brand is a social business started by myself, Cliff Roberson and Mike Paul.  All profits are used to build primary schools in Sierra Leone. Four schools have been running successfully and the fifth is half built.

Glynn Davis: a postcard from Porto

Glynn Davis sends us a postcard from Porto, where he finds out what else is on offer besides the fortified wine. 

Roger Jones finds damaging frost and elegant wines at New Zealand's Kumeu River Winery

Based in the Kumeu wine region some 30 minutes from Auckland, this world renown Chardonnay producer was hit by frost over the weekend which destroyed part of one of their vineyards. A freak overnight change in temperature gave no warning so it had not hired the usual helicopters to protect the vines (see footnote).

Roger Jones gets ready for a wine tour of New Zealand with a new release tasting in London

In the first of a series of articles for Harpers.co.uk, as he travels across New Zealand hosting culinary and wine events and visiting many of the country's top wineries, Roger Jones of the Michelin-starred Harrow at Little Bedwyn attended a New Zealand tasting in London to get his palate in to gear.

Mike Ratcliffe: Why South Africa's growing in confidence

Mike Ratcliffe, managing director of Warwick and Vilafonte wineries in Stellenbosch, tells Geoffrey Dean about the growing confidence in South Africa's industry. 

Geoffrey Dean finds the key to modern Portugese Vinho Verde wines

Vinho Verde has come along way since its Peninsular War origins. This lush, green and mountainous appellation, first demarcated in 1908, makes up 18% of Portuguese output and has 101 export markets, of which Britain, Germany and Brazil are the fastest growing.

Can supermarkets handle Britain's changing shopping habits?

Professor Heiner Evanschitzky of Aston Business School asks whether the supermarkets handle Britain's changing shopping habits.

Alistair Morrell on how to grow a wine business in the UK

Where do you go if you want to grow a wine business in the UK?

TescoGate: what suppliers can do if unfairly treated by Tesco or any other majors

Suppliers who feel aggrieved at their treatment at the hands of any major retailer can take action now by complaining to the Groceries Supply Code of Practice adjudicator, writes wine trade lawyer Andrew Park.

Angela Mount: What's the impact on BWS of Tesco's missing strategy?

Ex-Somerfield head of wine Angela Mount questions the impact on BWS of the lack of a long-term strategy at Tesco, as the retailer struggles to manage the consequences of its financial scandal. 

Chris Blandy: big changes afoot in Madeira as premium wines gain traction

Changes are afoot in Madeira: it is shifting towards the premium end and its tourism potential is growing, says Chris Blandy, owner of Blandy's Madeira Wine Company.

Jerry Lockspeiser: can you drink as much as you like and stay healthy?

"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning that's as good as they are going to feel all day".  Frank Sinatra quoted in the book.