Sam Harrop MW to step down as IWC chair after 11 years on judging panel

The International Wine Challenge (IWC) has announced a shuffle of its judging panel ahead of its November tastings.

Provence Part 2: Oaked, whites and reds coming to the fore

In Part 1 of our Provence two-parter, we looked at how Provence is evolving its 'pink summer quaffing' reputation.

40% of all online Majestic orders to be fulfilled through new e-commerce partnership

Majestic Wine has partnered with logistics firm Wincanton to streamline its e-commerce approach and become a "customer-focused multi-channel retailer."

Provence Part 1: Beyond summer rosé

It used to be that when you opened that bottle of Cotes de Provence rosé that you bought back from the south of France, the phrase "Caveat Emptor" would run through your head.

Wine and spirits hit £4bn in duty revenues for the Exchequer

Duty contributions for the wine and spirits industry has hit the £4bn benchmark for the first time, with alcohol sales hitting an all-time high.

Chile knocks out South Africa to enter top five countries by value in UK off-trade

Chile has stormed into the top five countries of origins rankings for the first time, overtaking South Africa as the country which has sold the most in the UK off-trade by value over the past year.

M&S and Aldi driving growth in latest Kantar Worldpanel report

M&S and Aldi showed the strongest performances in Kantar's latest Worldpanel report for wine, measuring 24 week year on year share to 13 September 2016.

Conviviality signs two-year supply agreement with Palmer & Harvey

Leading independent wholesaler Convivality Plc is entering into a two-way supply deal with Palmer and Harvey McLane Limited (P&H), supplying beers, wines and spirits in exchange for tobacco.

Does the new Costa coffee hybrid proposition pose a threat to bars and pubs?

In October 2016, Costa became the latest major UK coffee chain to offer its customers two hits instead of one: caffeine and alcohol all under one roof. 

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.

New Kent vineyard celebrates first harvest

Another English vineyard is officially open for business, having completed their first harvest and opened their winery.

World wine production 2016 one of the poorest in 20 years

The amount of wine being produced worldwide has dropped to one of the lowest in 20 years according to the latest figures from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV).

Morrisons launches new Chilean brand Head Honcho

Following the recent launch of the innovative Argentinian Club Asado, Morrisons' South American buying team have introduced a new, wholly-owned Chilean brand, Head Honcho. 

UK lags on wine affordability, survey shows

The UK ranks just 24th among the most affordable countries in which to buy wine, according to a survey released today.

No Malbec and rule-breaking makes a song and dance at Wines of Argentina tasting

WSET to open first international office in Hong Kong

The leading education body for wines and spirits in the UK has announced plans to open a second administrative base in Hong Kong in order to meet growing demand from greater China.

Co-op sets up European distribution hub in radical change to supply strategy for its continental wines

The words 'agility' and 'flexibility' are used frequently by Simon Cairns. As the Co-op's beers wines and spirits trading director, he has overseen a category enjoying buoyant growth this year, with a 4.3% increase in like for like sales across the sector, according to the latest Nielsen reports.

Work to build £9m UK sake brewery gets underway

Building is now underway at what is believed to be the UK's first sake brewery having appointed a local contractor to carry out construction work.

First wine, now spirits set to take a hit with rise in inflation and duty to slap a further £60m on consumers

The price of a bottle of wine and spirits is facing a major hike if duty rises in line with inflation, industry experts have warned.

The Epicurean launches in London this weekend

The team behind the London Wine Fair is gearing up to launch its first consumer event.