Maison Sichel shows its support for independents by signing Harpers Best Practice Guidelines

Maison Sichel is the third major French wine company to support the UK independent sector by signing up to Harpers Best Practice Guidelines designed to promote open and fair trading between wine merchants and suppliers.

Own-label wine is not just for major multiples any longer

Own-label and private-label wines are no longer the preserve of the major multiples, but what is the attraction for independent merchants and restaurants alike?

Three quarters of British adults have shopped online in 2014, says ONS

On-trade losing thousands of pounds in wine sales says new Harpers consumer report

The UK on-trade is potentially losing out on thousands of pounds of trade a day because of its inability to sell wine effectively, according to a new exclusive report publsihed today by Harpers Wine & Spirit.

High street wine retailers take a fresh look at franchising

As Oddbins announces plans to open up 200 franchise stores, Gemma McKenna looks at franchising in the wine trade and, as the economy recovers, asks whether taking on a business that already has the wow factor could be the way forward

Independents to compete in the Sud de France Retailer of the Year merchants programme

Your chance to vote in Harpers France Wine Awards and take part in France Summit

Harpers is once again looking to reward the very best retailers, restaurants, distributors and individuals that are leading the way in selling and promoting French wine in the UK in our second Harpers France Awards.

Evuna looks to build on success of second Manchester Spanish wine bar concept

It's taken over a decade for Manchester's tapas and Spanish wine institution Evuna to get round to opening its second site, but now it has its sights set on opening more.

Put your football knowledge to the test in the new Benevolent Fantasy Football League

So do you think your football? Your Christmas Tree formation over your 4-4-2? Know what "running between the lines" actually means? Well why not put those skills to the test and take part in the new Benevolent Fantasy Football League - oh and raise some money for the drinks charity along the way.

Scottish wine merchant offers online consumers opportunity to 'buy wine with us not from us'

Scottish independent wine merchant Peter Wood is shaking up his online sales by taking a Naked Wines approach and offering customers to "buy wine with us not from us".

Naked Wines kicks off same-day delivery trial in San Francisco

Vinoteca hand-picked to open its fifth site in new Kings Cross development

Vinoteca, the award winning London restaurant and wine bar chain, is working with property agents at the new Kings Cross retail development to open a tailor made site in February 2015.

New "Tesco tax" to raise money for small businesses could be counter productive warns ACS

Moves by local councils to introduce a so-called "Tesco tax" on major supermarkets to raise money to be re-invested in high street areas could set a dangerous precedent warns the Association of Convenience Stores.

Oddbins to start franchise operation with 26 independent wine retailers

High street chain Oddbins is planning to kick off its franchised model by converting around 26 independent wine merchants to the company fascia.

Oxford Wine Company signs deal to be exclusive UK importer of Downton Abbey wines

Ted Sandbach of the Oxford Wine Company has become the exclusive UK importer for a special Downton Abbey range of wines, created by French producer, Les Grands Chais de France.

Meet Downton Abbey's new cast

Move over Hugh Bonneville, Downtown Abbey has a new cast.

Katie Jones recovers from last year's destroyed vintage to release new 2013 wine

Katie Jones, the English winemaker based in the Languedoc in France, who saw last year's vintage destroyed by vandals, has successfully released her new 2013 wine which is now available in the UK.

Berry Bros & Rudd and Roberson win Independent Merchants of the year at IWC 2014

Berry Bros & Rudd and Roberson Wine were named Large and Small Independent Merchant of the Year at last night's International Wine Challenge awards dinner. 

M&S named Supermarket of the Year by International Wine Challenge for second year running

Marks & Spencer has claimed the International Wine Challenge Supermarket of the Year award for the second year running.

Special Yorkshire liqueur recreated in honour of the Brontë family

Sir James Aykroyd, former chairman of Speyside Distillers, has recreated a special liqueur in honour of the Brontë family and their home in Yorkshire.