Q&A with Justin Knock MW winemaking consultant at Cobevco

Carol Emmas talks to Justin Knock MW, winemaking consultant for Cobvevco, the specialist contract bottling company

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Wine brands with no back story will struggle warns Ste Michelle's Ted Baseler ahead of Wine Vision

New wine launches that offer no back story other than what varietal or blend they are are not going to connect with modern wine consumers, warns Ted Baseler, president and chief executive of US winery, Ste Michelle Wine Estates, speaking ahead of this month's Wine Vision conference in London.

British economic growth to gain momentum through to 2015 predicts the CBI

A further sign that the economy is recovering is given today by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) which has raised its economic growth forecasts for both 2013 and 2014 and is forecasting growth to gather even greater momentum into 2015.

Why creating "magic" in-store is key to our success says Waitrose chief

Doing the opposite of what everyone else is doing and creating magic when customers enter stores are key tactics being used to drive sales across Waitrose, according to managing director Mark Price.

Get your dancing shoes on for the Benevolent's Christmas Ceilidh

The Benevolent is looking to get the wine and spirits trade in to the festive spirit early by hosting a Christmas Ceilidh on November 28.

Wine Rack to unveil new look store concept on November 7 in West Byfleet

The new store concept for Wine Rack is to be officially unveiled on November 7 in West Byfleet, Surrey when owners, Conviviality Retail, open the doors to what it hopes will be a new retail wine offer to high street wine buyers.

Douglas Blyde explores Alsace wine with Etienne and Kaoru Hugel on their "working honeymoon"

I reflect, an hour afterwards, on the lightening that threatened to lash my City Jet's slim belly as it was hassled by turbulence heading back to London. Now, with every sip of soothing Alsace wine savoured in Hakkasan's dining room of ebony and Chinoiserie, tension steadily slips away.

Giles Fallowfield travels back 100 years with Lanson's vintage Champagne

Lanson head winemaker Jean-Paul Gandon with his heir apparent Hervé Danton were in London last week for a dinner at Vintners Halls to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of vintage Champagne at the house. Lanson's first vintage Champagne was produced in 1904 and in a nice bit of symmetry it was the first opportunity to taste the newly released 2004 Lanson vintage, another good example of the large, forward and attractive '04 vintage showing biscuity complexity and a long finish.

South Africa to focus on US and emerging African markets says new WOSA chief

South Africa will increasingly target the entire domestic market of Africa along with the US as trading conditions become ever more challenging in mature export markets such as the UK, according to the new head of Wines of South Africa (WOSA).

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Global wine production in 2013 is expected to be up 10% on 2012 says OIV

The worldwide production of wine in 2013 is up by over 10% on the 2012 vintage, according to the latest figures from the OIV (Organisation Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin).

Analysis: How France is holding its own in global wine production despite difficult 2013 vintage

In response to last week's report from Morgan Stanley Research, which revealed a possible global wine shortage on the horizon, Harpers.co.uk is taking a closer look at key wine producing countries to assess whether they may or may not be contributing to the the global wine shortage hype. Today we look at France.

Q&A: Siobhan Thompson, chief executive, Wines of South Africa

Siobhan Thompson starts work as the new chief executive of Wines of South Africa (WOSA) this week. Previously head of global marketing for Distell's Amarula brand, she brings with her a wealth of international experience. Claire Hu spoke to her about her views on the future direction of South African wine exports.

China could be world's second largest wine consuming country within five years

China is on course to be the second largest wine consuming country behind the United States within the next five years, according to Don St Pierre Jr, co-founder of Chinese importing company, ASC Fine Wines, speaking ahead of his appearance at this month's Wine Vision conference in London, being organised in partnership with Harpers.

Richard Siddle: the PR lessons to be learnt from recent media blitz on wine

Global bulk wine market opens up says Murphy Wine Company

Buyers are currently experiencing a certain sense of relief as the global bulk wine supply has opened up and created a slight breathing space.   Big harvests this year in the Southern hemisphere helped relieve the pressure from the losses of the 2012 European harvest.  The 2013 Northern hemisphere harvests are indicating  a return to average crop levels in Europe, and California is set to have another big crop which will help to continue the trend.

Australians turn their backs on imported sparkling wine in favour of home grown fizz

The prospects for Australian sparkling wine are looking rosy, thanks to a weakening dollar which has forced the cost of imported wines up, according to new research from Wine Intelligence.

Jerry Lockspeiser stands up for the WSTA: a great British success

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has been around for a decade short of 200 years. Its name evokes wood panelled board rooms and gentlemanly discussions more than the world of Google and iPhone apps.

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