Vinoteca counts down to Christmas with Wine-vent Calendar

After the frenzy of Black Friday you might think Christmas is almost upon us, but there are actually still 24 shopping days left.

Memorial service for Ridgeview's Mike Roberts

A memorial service for Mike Roberts, founder of English sparkling winery, Ridgeview,  who died earlier this month, is to be held on December 5.

Four pubs battle it out for CAMRA's National Pub of the Year

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has shortlisted four pubs who will battle it out to be named its National Pub of the Year.

UK retailers need to target seven different types of shopper, says Kantar study

The changing face of  UK retailing is driven by the way consumers now behave and has created seven types of shopper, according to new research revealed today by Kantar Insights, the retail insights company.

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, financial news for the drinks trade, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Chief of the Week: Laura Jewell - soon to be UK "chief" of Wine Australia

TescoGate: Three suspended bosses reported to have left Tesco with more to follow

Kevin Grace, group commercial director, Carl Rogberg, UK finance director, and John Scouler, UK food commercial director, three of the executives that were suspended from Tesco following its accounting crisis have left the company, according to a Financial Times report. Other suspended executives, including head of beers, wines and spirits, Dan Jago,could be dismissed next week, according to media reports.

Special whisky launched to celebrate pro-independence vote in Scotland

US Black Friday shopping extravaganza takes off in the UK

Despite figures from Kantar indicating that the UK has not yet fully embraced the US shopping extravaganza that is Black Friday, this morning major retail websites like Tesco Direct have crashed due to the demand in online traffic, and there have been reports of fights breaking out amongst shoppers in stores around the country. Black Friday it appears has arrived in the UK.

Wine Australia confirms Tesco's Laura Jewell as its new head of UK and Europe

Wine Australia has confirmed to Harpers.co.uk that it has appointed Tesco's Laura Jewell MW to be its new regional director for the UK and Europe.

Raisinable wine app brings mark up transparency to restaurant consumers

Raisinable, a free wine app which compares restaurant and retail wine prices and illustrates the mark up, is launching today and will feature several restaurants in London.

Soul Tree looks to raise £350k in crowdfunding scheme for its Indian wine business

Debate over role and relevance of wine bloggers continues as trade figures take sides

What role and relevance bloggers have on the wine trade has become a major debating issue on Harpers.co.uk and on social media following recent articles questioning their value from leading wine commentators.

David Gleave, Liberty Wines, and his key wine trends for Christmas

We believe Old World wines will continue to perform well this Christmas as people look to spend a little bit more and trade up to premium examples of known varieties. Alpha Zeta's Single Vineyard Pinot Grigio 'Terrapieno' from the Veneto is a good example of this.

Morrisons rapped by ASA for "misleading" wine adverts after only two complaints

Morrisons has been forced by the Advertising Standards Authority to pull what it claims are "misleading" adverts offering special promotions after only two complaints.

Online festive shopping major opportunity for retailers, says Euromonitor

Online shopping will rise globally and within Europe as consumers look for better deals online in the run-up to Christmas, but firms should ensure their sites are easy to navigate, mobile-friendly and have attractive delivery options, says market research firm Euromonitor.

Aldi goes head to head with Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason with premium wine offering

Aldi is not just taking on major grocery chains, but looking to compete directly with high-end retailers like Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason with a super premium wine and spirit offering in the run up to Christmas.

Cape Wine Auction hopes to raise thousands more for education in South Afrrica's winelands

Plans are in place for the second AfrAsia Bank Cape Wine Auction which hopes to raise millions of rand to help fund education in the winelands of South Africa.

Krug releases three Grande Cuvées in special limited edition ID case

Fans of Krug Champagne can splash out this Christmas on a limited edition special gift box set that includes three bottles of Krug Grande Cuvée each with a different story behind the blend.

Roger Jones adds a Canterbury tale to his tour of New Zealand

The car journey from Blenheim Airport to Waipara is one of the most beautiful drives you could envisage, with a wild coastline that is picture perfect.