Strong first half results from South Africa's Distell

South African drinks firm Distell delivered strong first-half results, with revenue up 16% and operating profit up 22%.

PLB launches wholesale roadshow

UK importer, PLB is to launch its first regional roadshow in February, in order to unveil its new and improved wholesale portfolio.

Oxford Wine Company appoints MW as buyer

The Oxford Wine Company has appointed Marcia Waters MW as its new wine buyer.

The Grape Debate continues

Biodynamic winemaker Monty Waldin has responded to criticism that last week's biodynamics debate with viticulturist, Dr Richard Smart failed to live up to expectations. Anne Krebiehl also responds below.

Sterling falls against US dollar, but surges against South African rand

Sterling fell to a six week low against the US dollar yesterday, but surged against the South African rand to highest level since August 2009.

Blog: Behind the scenes at Jancis Robinson MW Wine Future tasting

Wine styles and varieties that "deserve more attention" were the focus of the 15 wines chosen by Jancis Robinson MW for her major tasting at Wine Future in Hong Kong

South Africa's Cape Wine Europe attracts 800 visitors

Turning South Africa's Cape Wine Europe tasting into a pan-European event has "really started to pay off", with around 800 visitors attending, said WOSA's chief executive.

Kleine Zalze appoints new marketing chief

Family-owned South African wine estate Kleine Zalze has appointed Wynand Van Schalkwyk as its marketing and sales manager.

Cape Wine Exporters buys Mount Rozier land and brand

Cape Wine Exporters, has bought Mount Rozier land and brand which it will launch in the UK in 2012, through Bibendum.

Q&A with Distell in wake of human rights report on South African wine trade

Following the Human Rights Watch report earlier this week, which alleged abuses of workers on wine farms in South Africa, Harpers Wine & Spirit asked the country's biggest drinks firm Distell what it does to make sure such practices don't happen on its farms.

South African vineyards accused of human rights abuses

An investigation into human rights abuses in South African vineyards has revealed some workers are forced to live in pig sties and don't have access to safety equipment or basic labour rights.

South African wine in upmarket push

South African wine is going upmarket in a new initiative with independent retailers and restaurants, which aims to show the country's quality and diversity in the more premium sector.

Insieme - Fairtrade meets natural wine

Stefano Girelli, from organic Sicilian estate, Feudo di Santa Tresa and Fair Trade South African producer, Stellar Winery, have teamed up to create Insieme (rrp £7.99).

South African producer Overhex signs with Copestick Murray

South African producer Overhex Wines, owner of the Balance label, has partnered with wine broker Copestick Murray in the UK and Ireland.

The? Prospector Syrah - more than just a name

More than just a name - the Jordan Wine Estate's new wine The Prospector Syrah 2008, is in acknowledgement of the public support the winery enjoyed in the successful campaign to save the Cape Winelands from a recent application to prospect and mine various minerals.

James Lawrence blog: South African wine paradise

James Lawrence is wowed by South Africa on his latest wine trip

South African wine set to lose protection from EU tariffs

South African wine prices in the UK may go up next year when a trade agreement lapses with the European Union.

South Africa to shine light on Chenin Blanc

South Africa to shine light on Chenin Blanc

Wines in the Pres, July 10-11, 2010

What have the national wine critics had to say this week? Find out with our round up of Wines in the Press for July 10, 11.