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 done a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

New Vinexpo chief open to idea of starting new shows around the world

Guillaume Deglise, the new chief executive of Vinexpo, said he remains open to running events in new markets around the world but only in the context of the bi-annual Bordeaux show remaining "the number-one priority".

New device aims to turn water into wine

The founder of struggling flash wine sale site Lot 18 has come up with another radical idea for the wine trade -a machine to turn water into wine within three days.

Vente-privee.com to launch wine flash sales in the UK

The growth of flash-sales sites looks set to hit online wine retailers as French giant vente-privee.com prepares for its UK wine launch.

France's LGI Wines promotes winemaker Xavier Roger to MD

Southern French specialists LGI Wines' chief winemaker Xavier Roger has stepped up to the role of managing director in the wake of founder Alain Grignon's retirement.

TaxPayers Alliance calls on the public to get behind Call Time On Duty campaign

Jonathan Isaby, chief executive of the TaxPayers Alliance has thrown his weight behind the wine and spirit industry's Call Time On Duty campaign, by callling on the public to lobby their MPs to urge the Chancellor to stop the duty escalator.

Portugal claims its wine sales are 'misrepresented' in UK

Portugal says its wine sales are being misrepresented in the UK off-trade - it claims it should be ahead of Argentina and among the top 10 importing countries.

Bottle Green's on-trade arm going from 'strength to strength'

Bottle Green's on-trade and independent division is going from "strength to strength" - accounting for one third of business in just two years.

Matthew Dickinson: Who really benefits from wine fairs?

Having attended my fair share of wine fairs (geddit?) over the years, both as buyer, producer, agent and now general dogsbody (sorry, highly regarded entrepreneur), I find myself getting cynical - a dangerous place to be during your mid-life crisis.

In the spotlight: Fairtrade issues in South Africa

South Africa's agricultural sector came under fire in the past few years over infringing the human rights of farm workers, some of whom helped build the country's wine trade. Erin Smith takes a look at two initiatives aimed at combating such problems, namely the Wine Industry Ethical Trade Agreement and Fairtrade.

Matthew Clark to distribute Catalan wine Herencia Altés

On-trade wholesaler Matthew Clark has added Catalan wine Herencia Altés, previously distributed by Liberty Wines, to its portfolio.

González Byass sees rapid growth in on-trade

González Byass is growing rapidly in the UK on-trade since taking on distribution for Champagne Deutz five months ago.

Independents to receive expert advice on online retailing at PLB Manchester roadshow

Expert advice on the do's and dont's of online retailing will be part of tomorrow's PLB roadshow tasting for independent retailers taking place in Manchester.

Jo Wehring, UK market manager for Wines of South Africa, talks Fairtrade

Jo Wehring, Wines of South Africa's UK market manager, believes Fairtrade wines should offer more premium choices and be more widely available.  

Virgin Wines to sell fine wines from New World

?Diageo appoints exclusive national broker for Canada

Wirtz Beverage Group is to become Diageo's exclusive national broker in Canada, after signing an agreement last week.

Alliance Wine boosts sales team

Alliance Wine has boosted its Scottish sales team and added Portuguese wine Delaforce to its portfolio.

Memorial service for Michael Cox to be held on April 10 at Southwark Cathedral

The memorial service for Michael Cox, the former head of Wines of Chile in the UK and Europe, who died from cancer at the end of last month, is to be held on April 10 at Southwark Cathedral in London.

Australian Vintage sees UK bulk wine sales fall but remains optimistic

Eduardo Chadwick and Patrick McGrath pay their tributes to Michael Cox

Eduardo Chadwick, president of leading Chilean winery, Errazuriz, and Patrick McGrath, managing director, of its UK partner and importer, Hatch Mansfield, have both paid tributes to Michael Cox, the former head of Wines of Chile, who died last week.