Moët UK Sommelier of the Year contest now open

Diageo slapped on wrist by ASA over Captain Morgan ad

Diageo has been rapped on the knuckles for its Captain Morgan ad which "links alcohol with daring and toughness".

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

New Cru level for Les Dauphins wine brand

Rhône producer Cellier des Dauphins is launching a new premium red wine under its Les Dauphins brand.

Southern hemisphere harvests get underway

SITT Spring opens its doors to independents in Manchester

Leading independent merchants, sommeliers and restaurateurs will be heading to Manchester's Old Trafford Cricket Club today for the start of this spring's Specialist Importers Trade Tasting and the chance to discover new and diverse wines from suppliers focused on the independent sector.

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.

Price gap between pub and restaurant meals closing

The gap between pub and restaurant dining is closing, as the average three course meal in a pub hits £18.67 while its restaurant equivalent slips to £20.66.

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.

Update: Tributes made from across the trade following the death of Michael Cox

Tributes from across the trade are being made to Michael Cox, the highly respected industry figure and European head of Wine of Chile who died last night after a year long battle with bile duct cancer. 

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.

Michael Cox UK head of Wines of Chile and respected industry figure has died from cancer

Michael Cox, the highly respected wine trade figure, died last night having lost his year long battle with bile duct cancer. He was at home, as was his wish, and was surrounded by his close family.