The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

In case you missed some of the headlines this week (and a bit of last week due to the long weekend) on harpers.co.uk, we have done a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Top English winemakers at joint independent tasting to help launch English Wine Week

Five leading English winemakers are coming together tomorrow in Plymouth to unveil their new 2013 vintages at leading local independent wine merchant , Le Vignoble. The event is being held to also help promote English Wine Week that starts on Saturday, May 24.

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International Wine Challenge reveals shortlist for Champion Wine awards

The full shortlist of wines from around the world that will be competing for Champion Wines of the Year in the International Wine Challenge 2014 have been revealed.

Cloudy Bay's David Hohnen links up with Off Piste Wines to produce Bordeaux wine

Wineries with no UK distribution get the chance to win listings at London Wine Fair

Wineries with no distribution in the UK will get the chance to pitch their wines to the largest judging panel of buyers to be brought together by the Winestars World competition at next month's London Wine Fair.

The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

In case you missed some of the headlines this week (and a bit of last week due to the long weekend) on harpers.co.uk, we have done a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Tesco to share consumer insights at the Harpers Debate at London Wine Fair

Tesco is to share some of its consumer insights and how it actively works with its customers to generate feedback, debate and help drive its wine and spirits strategy at the Harpers debate at the London Wine Fair.

Sam Neill leads strong line up New Zealand trophy winners at IWC 2014

Sam Neill, the winemaking film actor, leads the strong line-up of eight Trophy winners from New Zealand announced today by the International Wine Challenge.

Matthew Clark's Simon Jerrome says suppliers need to work harder to make tastings must attend events

Wine suppliers need to completely rethink the way they organise trade tastings to keep them relevant to the changing demands of wine buyers, according to Simon Jerrome, wine purchasing director at Matthew Clark.

Consumer spending on the rise but discounters still winning, says Barclaycard

There are signs that UK consumers are also enjoying the benefits of an economic recovery with the latest spending figures showing a near 4% year-on-year increase in April thanks largely to the later Easter holidays and warmest April weather for three years. The on-trade enjoyed a very strong month with spending in restaurants up 16.8% year-on-year.

Harpers London Wine Fair debate: how consumers can power growth in your business

How major brands and retailers are succeeding in making their customers their biggest business assets through peer to peer recommendations, social media, online clubs and communities will be the focus of the Harpers Debate at this year's London Wine Fair.

Sake: hot or cold? Anna Greenhous on when it's right to heat things up

Whether sake should be drunk warm or cold is the subject of much debate. People unfamiliar with sake have often only experienced it warm, and so believe this is the way it should be served. Some sake fans claim good quality sake should always be served cold and that bad sake is warmed to hide its faults. However, it isn't that simple.

Hallgarten Druitt to become a more insights and sales driven business

Hallgarten Druitt's decision to outsource its warehousing and bonding to LCB will allow it to concentrate on providing a far more insights driven business for its customers, according to managing director Andrew Bewes.

Conviviality Retail acquires 26 Rhythm & Booze Stores for £1.7m

Conviviality Retail, which owns Bargain Booze and Wine Rack, has bought 26 Rhythm & Booze off-licences in Yorkshire and the north east from Bibby Retail Services for £1.7 milllion.

Putting consumer research and understanding at the heart of all our business strategies

The importance of truly understanding how well your business understands the needs and behaviour of consumers is a topic I have turned to on a number of occasions. I make no apology for doing so again.

Riesling producers from around the world head to London for Great Riesling Tasting

Over 50 Riesling producers from around the world will be in London for the Great Riesling Tasting next month which takes place on May 12.

Michel Rolland defends his ability to manage wines on up to 200 wineries around the world

Michel Rolland has defended his role as an international wine consultant capable of managing the quality of wine on up to 200 wine estates around the world.

Farr Vintners to double fund raising efforts of Benevolent's Chris Porter

Farr Vintners has announced it will match whatever sum of money is raised by Benevolent  chairman, Chris Porter, as he embarks on his 'Around the Grounds in 14 Days' challenge to visit all  the 91 football league  grounds between May 12 and May 25.

Menopausal women are the target for new US wine brand - Hot Flash Wines

A new wine business targeting menopausal women has been set up in the United States called Hot Flash Wines.