The Week That Was: news, views and opinions on Harpers.co.uk

A week is a long time in the world of wine of spirits. Here is our round up of the main news, views and opinions that have appeared on Harpers.co.uk over the last week.

Leading industry experts to share their experiences with first Wine Buyers forum

The inaugural Wine Buyers Forum taking place in Windsor next month will give buyers from across the on and off-trades the chance to get first hand advice from leading industry figures and take part in a number of business workshops that look to address the key issues facing buyers today.

Liberty Wines prioritises customer education over London Wine Fair

Liberty Wines is prioritising its customer roadshows ahead of major trade exhibitions and won't be attending London Wine Fair this year. 

Enotria 'raises head above parapet' in 2014

Enotria is preparing to "raise it head above the parapet" in 2014, as it launches a new corporate identity, expands its sales force and increases its market insights.

Bernard Fontannaz, founder of Origin Wine, on why Fairtrade is important for business as a whole

When asked what Fairtrade means for me, I cannot think of a better explanation than the inspirational quote of our late leader Nelson Mandela: "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the life of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead."

Call Time on Duty piles pressure on government as Budget looms

The Call Time on Duty campaign is ramping up its activity in the final weeks before the Budget with a coaster campaign in pubs urging consumers to lobby MPs.

Douglas Blyde hears history, gains insight and tastes wines at Fells first summit

Combine one part history lesson with another part insight into the runnings of five family businesses, with a final part of tutored wine tastings, and the first Fells wine forum would result.

Moët UK Sommelier of the Year contest now open

ProWein ups Champagne focus

ProWein is ramping up its Champagne focus in 2014, with double the focus on the sparkling wine compared to last year.

Belfast's Direct Wine Shipments to launch wine academy

Belfast's Direct Wine Shipments is launching an academy to boost wine knowledge in the local hospitality industry, which is seen as vital to enhancing the region's gowing tourism market.   

Gallo muscles into premium wine sector

E&J Gallo is aiming to grow its share of the premium end of the wine market with the launch of two new brands, Dark Horse and Apothic Red, despite the fact that the average spend on a bottle of wine in the UK still hovers around the £5 mark.

UK sales of Fairtrade wine jump 15% in 2013

Weak rand helps South Africa's Distell's sales

Southern hemisphere harvests get underway

Cono Sur to take centre stage when the Tour de France comes to the UK in 2014

Chilean winery, Vina Cono Sur, has signed a deal with the Tour de France 2014 to be the solo wine sponsor for the first three stages of the race that are all taking place in the UK.

Bibendum to distribute Provence's Château Léoube

Bibendum is to distribute Provence vineyard Château Léoube, the sister estate of the Daylesford organic farm business in the UK.  

Fairtrade Fortnight kicks off with wine offers

Fairtrade Fortnight runs from today, February 24, until March 9 and is organised by the Fairtrade Foundation, the organisation that helps to publicise and promote the work of producers, retailers and suppliers in producing, sourcing and selling Fairtrade products in the UK.

D&D London's Avenue restaurant gets relaunch

D&D's Avenue restaurant in London's St James's Street has relaunched with a makeover to its décor and menu as it brings in American Michael Blizzard as head chef.

Ruth Yates joins expert online panel for Harpers debate at PLB Manchester tasting

Ruth Yates, the award winning independent wine merchant who runs the Corks Out chain across the north west, is the latest name to join the Harpers panel looking at opportunities for online sales and retailing at next month's PLB independent roadshow tasting in Manchester on March 5.

Vinisud attracts buyers from around the world to highlight its Mediterranean wine and spirits

Over 1,600 exhibitors from across the Mediterranean's world of wine and spirits are set to descend on Montpellier in Southern France next week for this year's Vinisud trade show which hopes to attract buyers from all over the world.