Dr Damien Wilson on bridging the gap between wine academics and the trade

As the summer holidays in Europe wind down to a close, I find myself preparing for another promising year as an academic. However, fronting the ever-present glow of my computer screen, a quick glance at twitter reminded me of the uproar that researchers in wine business create when highlighting inconsistencies by practitioners in the wine market.

Chief of the week: Advertising legend Sir John Hegarty

lThe words "guru" and "legend" are bandied around by us journalists far too often to try and bring attention to what someone who is far from being either of those two things has just told us.

What to expect at SITT Autumn: Steven Gerrard, Barwell & Jones

In a first of a series of interviews with suppliers exhibiting at next week's London SITT tasting for independent merchants and the on-trade we ask Barwell & Jones managing director, Steven Gerrard, what visitors can expect on their stand.

Matthew Dickinson: why some producers and agents need a kick up the...

I've never worried about being controversial, and some statements in this post may shock - so if you don't want to know the score, look away now. Whisper it: "Some producers do not invest sufficiently in their commercial activities."' And perhaps even more quietly: "Some agents squat on an agreement with a producer without doing anything for their commissions."

Anna Greenhous: how sake brewing is growing around the world

Independents and suppliers come together for Harpers Best Practice debate

Leading independent wine merchants are suppliers are to come together next month to take part in an open Harpers debate to look further at ways in which they can work closer and more effectively together.

New York merchant named Best Independent in the World in Jancis Robinson competition

wNew York independent wine merchant, Chambers Street Wines, has been named the Best Independent Retailer in the World in a competition run by Jancis Robinson MW.

Wine and spirits industry welcomes "stability" of Scottish "No" vote for independence

Parts of the UK wine and spirits industry have welcomed the "stability" the news this morning that Scotland has rejected independence to remain part of the United Kingdom.

Wines of Beautiful South to return in 2016 as South Africa switches focus to Cape Wine

The combined Chile, Argentina and South Africa Wines of the Beautiful South tasting will not take place next year as South Africa switches its attention to Cape Wine. But Chile and Argentina will continue to work together with a joint South American tasting sometime in London in 2015.

Wine should follow Top Gear's example and look to entertain not educate

The wine industry should look at the massive success of BBC's Top Gear in how to make a potentially complex subject entertaining to the public, according to advertising guru, Sir John Hegarty.

Supermarkets are threatening the future of wine suppliers warns Sir John Hegarty

Britain's biggest supermarkets are in danger of "screwing" wine suppliers so much the market is no longer "sustainable" was the dire warning laid down this week by advertising guru and wine producer, Sir John Hegarty.

Advertising guru, Sir John Hegarty, slams "truly appalling" wine industry

Team Cox complete Médoc Marathon and raise £16k for drinks charities

Independent merchants have key role to play in lobbying MPs for duty changes, says WSTA

Independent wine merchants have a key role to play in persuading local MPs to listen to the wine and spirits industry's calls for an effective cut in alcohol duty levels at the 2015 Budget.

A "united" industry effort can force a 2% cut in duty, claims WSTA's Miles Beale

Heston Blumenthal to open Melbourne version of Fat Duck on February 3

The Australian version of Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck restaurant is to open in Melbourne in February 3 2015 with reservations being taken from October 8.

Martin Sealy on how suppliers working together can cut supply chain costs

Traditionally the concept of collaborating with competitors has seemed at odds with gaining a market advantage, and subsequently manufacturers and retailers of wines and spirits have sought different routes to market to find that edge.

Jackson Estate's Matt Patterson-Green showcases his Kiwi wines at Chiltern Firehouse

"I believe Marlborough will be known for producing the best Pinot Noir over time," declares Matt Patterson Green, winemaker of Jackson Estate. In his glass is one expression, Vintage Widow 2012, named, he says, "after women who lose their men to the vineyards..."

Accolade Wines switches its European division from the UK to Poland

Accolade Wines is to run its European affairs from a new dedicated office in Warsaw, Poland rather than manage the operation from its UK headquarters.

William Grant & Sons invests in Tullamore whiskey with new Irish distillery

William Grant & Sons officially opens its new Tullamore state-of-the-art whiskey distillery today in Ireland to help keep up with international demand for what is now the second largest Irish whiskey in the world. It is the first time that whiskey has been produced in Tullamore for 60 years.