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Geoffrey Dean on the Malbec "revolution" taking place in Argentina

Whisper it gently - certainly to those lovers of big, heavily extracted, super-ripe, sweet-fruited, oaky Mendoza Malbecs  - but a revolution in Argentina is nearing completion. Nothing of course to do with economic or social issues, but rather a quest by many of the country's leading winemakers to reinvent the style of the country's flagship varietal.

Last chance to win Rising Stars place at Wine Vision

Emerging talents in the wine trade have the chance to attend this month's world leaders' conference, Wine Vision, by winning a special grant as part of Harpers Rising Stars initiative.

Independents and suppliers question big players that have not signed Harpers Best Practice Guidelines

There is growing frustration amongst both independents and suppliers that have signed up to the Harpers Best Practice Guidelines over those companies, particularly the large national distributors,  that have not done so.

Transparency and honesty key to good independent supplier relations says Harpers debate

Open communication and a clear channel management strategy are they key to a strong, healthy relationship between independents and suppliers was the key message from yesterday's Harpers debate been leading independent merchants and suppliers.

Merchanta and suppliers work together

Proximo Spirits introduces TINCUP American whiskey in to the UK

Top merchants and suppliers gather in London to debate ways they can work better together

How wine suppliers can work better and more efficiently with independent retailers will be the subject of a key Harpers debate being held this morning in London between leading figures on both sides.

Jonathan Cahill: we need to educate consumers on value of wine rather than pice

In his recent talk, the leading advertising figure Sir John Hegarty described the wine industry as "peculiar, fragmented, confusing and impenetrable". He went on to point out that 90% of consumers don't understand quality in wine.

Gordon Ramsay to open Heddon Street Kitchen off London's Regent Street

Heddon Street Kitchen is to be the latest London opening from the ever expanding Gordon Ramsay Group taking its portfolio of restaurants to 13.

Analysis: how effective has the Crus Bourgeois classification been?

Last week the Alliance des Crus Bourgeois arrived in London for the fifth annual review of the wines deemed worthy to use the Cru Bourgeois seal of approval. Five years into the new incarnation of the classification Heather Dougherty reviews its successes and challenges - and looks at its prospects for the future.

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No 3 Gin cocktail winner turns to Beatrix Potter's Mr Tod for inspiration

Let's be honest the average top bartender is not the kind of person who would admit turning to Beatrix Potter for inspiration. Let alone the kind of bartender who would be allowed to play along the back bar of the uber cool City Social in Old Broad Street in London.

Richard Siddle: time to put retailer and supplier relations on a fairer footing

The fallout from Tesco hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons - and overstating its profits to the tune of some £250 million - could be felt by everyone in the grocery retail sector, never mind the suspended Tesco executives currently re-evaluating their careers.

Guy Woodward: Hegarty's right - we need to follow Top Gear to sell wine

It didn't come as a huge surprise when Sir John Hegarty used his WSTA conference key note speech to deliver a withering assessment of the wine trade's relationship with its audience. One of the foremost marketing exponents of his generation, Hegarty knows a thing or two about generating headlines. 'Appalling', 'pathetic' and 'mad' were among the politer descriptions aimed at his audience. 'Confusing' and 'impenetrable' were daggers to the heart - a stinging critique of the public's perception of the world of wine. Why so stinging? Because the words ring so true...

Harpers Design Awards picks out winners from all over the world

The first Harpers Global Design Awards to recognise excellence in wine and spirits label and bottle design saw 62 medals awarded, including 17 gold medals for designs the judges felt were showing the way for the rest of the industry.

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Pablo Alvarez, Vega Sicilia, on the global opportunity for Ribera del Duero wines

Vega Sicilia was established in 1859, although its modern history began with the property's purchase by the Alvarez family in 1982, who acquired the estate as joint shareholders. Patriarch David Alvarez subsequently appointed his son Pablo as managing director of the property. Since the mid-1980s, Pablo Alvarez has ensured that Vega Sicilia remains Ribera Del Duero's most renowned and prestigious wine, for sale in over 25 markets. With Alvarez's careful direction, the property has managed to overcome both the Spanish economic crisis and endure a family feud over the future of the estate, in addition to investing in the regions of Rioja and Toro. James Lawrence reports:

Ribera del Duero should shun powerful wines for more classic style says Pingus founder

The biggest threat to the future of wines from the Ribera Del Duero is consumers turning their back on the signature ripe and powerful style of the region, according to Pingus founder Peter Sisseck.

The Benevolent's Northern Ball is a must for all James Bond fans

You may not get the chance to dine out with Daniel Craig anytime soon, but if you fancy a night dressing up like him and taking your chances on the roulette wheel then the Benevelont Northern Ball is the place for you.