Henkell buys majority stake in Freixenet

German sparkling wine company Henkell has acquired a 50.7% stake in Spanish cava giant Freixenet.

Côtes du Rhône scam sold 66 million bottles of fake wine

The extent of a large-scale wine fraud in the Côtes du Rhône has been unveiled, amounting to 66.5 million bottles of counterfeit wine.

The Champagne Academy appoints new chairman

The Champagne Academy has appointed Marcus Little as its chairman for 2018.

Louis Latour Agencies signs deal as Castello Banfi distributor

Louis Latour Agencies has signed a deal as the exclusive UK distributor of Italian winery Castello Banfi, marking the first European winery from outside France to join the agency.

The Benevolent Ball brings in a record sum

Trade charity The Benevolent is celebrating this morning after raising a record amount at its annual charity ball.

The week that was

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Bordeaux pulls away from entry level as exports rise

2017 saw an increase in exports for Bordeaux to key markets such as UK, Germany and Belgium, with the US and China also on an upward trajectory, delivering significant growth in higher priced wines.

Cash strapped Conviviality looks to equity fundraise to meet £30m tax bill

Cash strapped wholesaling group Conviviality has announced it is in talks to begin equity fundraising in to plug a £30m tax shortfall which is due on March 29.

Transformed Slovakia targets UK

UK wine importers have sealed new distribution deals to import their first cool climate wines from Slovakia, in moves that highlight the transformation of viticulture in the eastern EU country.

Northern restaurant and bar scene powers ahead of London

The restaurant and bar scenes in Liverpool, Manchester & Leeds have been revealed as growing at rates more than double those of London.

Baileys goes dairy-free

Baileys has launched a dairy-free version of the Irish cream liqueur to tap the trend for free-from food and drinks.

Diageo acquires German aperitif Belsazar from Distill Ventures

Diageo has acquired premium aperitif Belsazar from Germany’s Black Forest for an undisclosed sum.

Devon manor to launch vineyard

Lympstone Manor has revealed plans to plant a vineyard within its 28-acre estate.

China to squeeze bulk supply of Australian red to critical levels over next 3-5 years

ABS expands Italian portfolio with first Maremma wines

Awin Barratt Siegel (ABS) has signed a deal as the new UK distributor for Tuscan winery Nittardi, taking over from OW Loeb.

Conviviality shares suspended

Shares in Conviviality have been temporarily suspended from trading on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) as it faces £30 million tax bill.

Waddesdon Wine adds organic Provence producer Château Léoube

Château Léoube has partnered with Waddesdon Wine, marking the first time their entire range will be available in the UK.

Fever-Tree continues to lead the premium pack by adapting to low-cal and dark spirit trends

Fever-Tree accounted for 91% of the value growth of all mixers on the UK’s retail shelves last year, as the UK-based company continues to lead the march of premium mixers.

Sussex Wineries launch to boost marketing and tourism

Eight leading Sussex wineries came together on Monday in Brighton to mark a strengthened collaboration between producers across the twin counties.

Wine key driver of Fairtrade sales

Alcohol has, albeit from a small platform, emerged as a key driver of Fairtrade with UK consumers showing increasing support for drinks accredited as such.