What's in store for wine sales this Christmas?

Having worked in wine retail at the sharp end, I well remember the run up to Christmas Eve - and in some detail.

Spain Supplement: Stirring up a great debate

Q&A: Ken Forrester, owner, Forrester Wines

The man known as Mr Chenin tells Harpers how he views the South African wine market's evolution over the past 20 years - and what his plans are now after selling a significant stake in his business to French group AdVini.

The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Analysis: What next for 'Brand Britain'?

Along with the monarchy, Aston Martin, the British sense of humour - and some would say, Downton Abbey - our drinks industry has helped to put Britain on the map and strengthen its image around the world.

Beaujolais UK exports jump for second year in a row

Beaujolais exports to the UK have enjoyed a second year of encouraging growth, with volume up 18% and value up 20.9% between July 2015 and July 2016.

Reserves to be used to supplement reduced Chablis vintage

Reserves from vintage 2015 will be used to supplement reduced yields from this year's harvest in Chablis following disastrous weather in April this year.

English vineyards report exceptional vintage for 2016

Wine producers across England are reporting an exceptional vintage as harvesting gets under way.

The Douro Boys driving whites and reds to new heights

This year the celebrated Douro producer Quinta do Vallado commemorates its 300th anniversary.

Borough Wines boosts team with two key hires

Independent London retailer Borough Wines & Beers has added two new senior appointments to its team as it continues its rapid expansion.

Majestic asks customers to choose new international craft beer

Majestic Wine is opening up its beer offering by asking customers vote for what they like and what they enjoy drinking.

Promising Rioja proposals could draw a line between industrial and artisanal production, say producers

Two leading Rioja producers based in Alava have welcomed fresh details of plans tabled by the breakaway Vineyards of Alava appellation proposal including a move to distinguish itself by discarding Rioja's ageing categories of Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva.

Wines and spirits continue to drive growth for LVMH amid luxury market slowdown

The wine and spirits division represented the second highest growth area for LVMH in its sales so far this year, with organic growth up 7%.

France bouncing back from New World competition

As wine consumers have got more savvy, better informed and far more international in their choices - aided by a UK marketplace with arms open to wines from across the globe - France has seen its reputation and fortunes change.

Q&A: ?Ewan Murray, The Wine Society

PR manager Ewan Murray has been with The Wine Society for over a decade. We spoke to him about what makes this cooperative retailer so different

Jura wines to partner with Comté for 2016 tasting

This year's Jura wine trade and press tasting will feature the region's other principal export - Comté cheese - for the first time.

Champagne harvest "isn't all doom and gloom", says Bollinger

Champagne has had its fair share of challenges so far this year, with a slew of bad weather meaning that crop loss is as severe in some parts - as is the case in he Aube - according to Champagne Taittinger.

New British Champagne house claims to offer Champagne for the digital age

A British-based holding company is claiming to be the first major prospective champagne house to open since Nicholas Feuillatte in 1972.

The other side of life: Marblehead's Jeremy Rockett

We in the drinks biz are so passionate about our trade that sometimes it's easy to forget that our colleagues have other interests.

Rioja decision over single vineyard and regional labelling expected this autumn

A decision on proposed new rules that will allow Rioja producers to feature village names and specific vineyards prominently on labels may be taken as early as late October or early November this year.