Christopher Cooper: Bartenders versus sommeliers - who brings the 'cool' to the drinks industry?

Perception is everything in the battle of the elite drinks purveyors, so it's about time we factored "cool" into wine's appeal, says Christopher Cooper

Insights: What will blaze the way for on-trade trends in 2016?

From sipping tequila to shorter wine lists, Douglas Blyde asked leading figures in the on-trade what trends they predict will lead the way in 2016

Wines of Chile reveals annual Sommelier Challenge winners

The winners of the annual Wines of Chile Sommelier Challenge have been announced.

Wines of Portugal reveals winners of annual sommelier competition

Wines of Portugal has announced the winners of its Wine Quest sommelier competition. First place went to Christophe Richelet of Taberna do Mercado with Maggie Mak of Maze by Gordon Ramsay named as runner up.

The modern wine list is not 'dead', just evolving

Despite going through a significant evolution over the past 20-something years, the modern-day wine list is not 'dead' as some say, simply different.

Analysis: Do you remember your wine epiphany?

Trade personalities tell Rosie Davenport and Nigel Huddleston about the life-changing moment when they realised a career in wine was their destiny

The Harrow at Little Bedwyn appoints first sommelier

The Harrow at Little Bedwyn after 16 years has hired Marcin Oziebly to be the dedicated sommelier as well as the general manager for the Michelin Star restaurant.

Anna Greenhous: Do different rice varieties effect different styles and flavours of sake?

Different grape varieties create distinctively different styles and flavours of wine, but can the same be said for different rice varieties with sake? Anna Greenhous investigates.

Pierre Gagnaire: the chef other chefs want to be

oplePierre Gagnaire is one of the most admired and successful chefs in the world. James Steen talks to him about the Beatles, Beaujolais and the three Michelin stars he has held for nearly 20 years

Chris Galvin and Fred Sirieix's "dream come true" to have cameo role in new James Bond film

Award winning chef Chris Galvin and his general manager, Fred Sirieix, at London's Galvin at Windows have had a dream come true with a surprise cameo role in the new James Bond film, Spectre.

Mathias Camilleri named UK's Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Young Sommelier of the Year

Last week Mathias Camilleri from the Medlar was named UK's Cha&icircne des Rôtisseurs Young Sommelier of the Year.

Spain and Argentina are the two big winners in the UK on-trade says new report

Spain and Argentina were the two big winners in the UK on-trade last year, according to the latest Wine On-Premise report from Wine Business Solutions.

High dining in the "Walkie Talkie's" Sky Garden

Rhubarb, the south-west London-based caterer-turned-restaurateur has three venues atop the £200-million 20 Fenchurch Street, nicknamed the "Walkie-Talkie" for its distinctive top-heavy shape. Together, the Sky Pod Bar, Darwin Brasserie and Fenchurch Seafood Bar & Grill are intended to form a "gourmet, garden oasis". And so they do, writes Douglas Blyde.

Martin Williams: Ex-Gaucho boss on theatre of dining at his new 'M Restaurants'

Martin Williams caused a stir in the restaurant world when he announced he was leaving his top job at Gaucho Grill to go it alone in a 300-seat destination dining venue in central London. But he could not be happier following the opening of his new venture "M".

How to drive a wine brand in the UK on-trade by Wine Business Solutions

Peter McAtamney, principal at research body, Wine Business Solutions, gives his personal assessment on how best to drive and build a wine brand in the UK on-trade with a particular nod to Kleine Zalze, which has been named number one South African brand in its latest 2014 Wine On-Premise report,and Matthew Clark which is reaping the rewards of an astute wine listing strategy

Coravin takes on Nespresso boss as new chief executive to lead expansion

Coravin, the pioneering wine access system which allows you to pour wine from a bottle without removing the cork, has appointed former Nespresso boss Frédéric Levy as its new chief executive to lead its ambitious expansion plans in to new markets.

George Clooney hopes to make a star out of his Casamigos premium tequila in the UK

SITT tastings for independents come to Manchester and London

Independent wine merchants are flocking to Manchester's Old Trafford today for the start of the Specialist Independent Trade Tasting (SITT).

Monkey Shoulder sets off in search of the Ultimate Bartender

Scotch whisky brand, Monkey Shoulder, is launching a new competition to find the "Ulitmate Bartender" in the UK with a series of regional trials with the overall winner getting the chance to run their own pop up bar during London Cocktail Week.

Q&A: Agustin Trapero, sommelier, Almeida

Fiona Griffiths talks to Agustin Trapero, sommelier at Almeida in Islington, about swapping the restaurant's printed wine list for a 'wine wall' and tasting table