De Bortoli Wines closes UK office

Australian wine estate De Bortoli Wines has closed its standalone UK distribution office - instead opting for an equity stake in newly-founded North South Wines distribution firm.

Cornish winery Knightor introduces German-inspired low-alcohol wine

Cornish winery, Knightor, is releasing a new lower alcohol wine to its portfolio which is inspired by Italy's Moscato D'Asti or Germany's Kabinett and Spätlese styles in the Mosel.

Three quarters of FMCG product launches fail, according to Nielsen research

Over three quarters of all new product launches across the FMCG sector in Europe fail in their first year, according to new Nielsen research.

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Distell plans to triple value share of UK's premium South African wine category

Distell Vineyards and Estates (DVE), the premium wine division of South Africa's largest wine producer Distell, has pledged to over triple its value share of the South African premium wine sector in the UK in the next three years.

Ex-Ehrmanns directors form new wine distribution company

Three high profile UK wine professionals, including two former Ehrmanns directors, have launched their own distribution company in partnership with three wineries, including De Bortoli wines, which is closing its UK office as a result.

Diageo looks to tech start-ups to help drive innovation with Diageo Technology Ventures

Diageo is looking to harness the power of tech start-ups with its new Diageo Technology Ventures, in the hopes of identifying growth opportunities.

Ribera del Duero wine region ramps up UK activity

Spain's Ribera del Duero wine region is looking to raise its profile in the UK with the launch of its first promotional campaign in this country.

Wines of Chile plans major new consumer event

Wines of Chile is planning a major new consumer event for 2015 to raise awareness about the South American country as a whole, says new UK director Anita Jackson.

Six new Masters of Wine announced

Applications to the Masters of Wine programme have shot up 26% for the next intake, as the six latest MWs to pass the gruelling exams are announced.

William Grant toasts successful 2013 as sales and profits rise

William Grant & Sons boosted operating profits by 10% to £138 million in 2013 while turnover rose by 5.2% to £1.12 billion.

Planetbee wine brand launches cider

Bee-friendly wine brand Planetbee has extended its reach into another drinks category, with the launch of its own cider.

Chase Distillery launches marmalade ready to drink cocktail

Herefordshire's Chase Distillery has released its first ready to drink cocktail - the Marmalade Mule

Pound Sterling slides ahead of Scottish independence vote

The Great British pound sterling hit a five-month low of against the US dollar to close last week at 1.632 GBP/USD following reports of increased support for Scottish independence.

Napa Valley wineries move focus from earthquake to harvest

California's Napa Valley wineries, a number of whom suffered significant damage in the recent 6.1 earthquake, have already harvested most of their Sauvignon Blanc grapes.

Chapel Down turns to crowdfunding to drive English wine growth plans

Leading English winery, Chapel Down,  is continuing to drive its growth by looking for private investors to support it through a crowdfunding scheme.

Hess Family moves Napa and Barossa wines from Hallgarten to Liberty

Hess Family Wine Estates has switched distribution of its Napa and Barossa wines from Hallgarten Druitt to Liberty Wines in the UK.

Guy Woodward admires how Napa Valley took the Californian earthquake in its stride

It was 3.20am on a Sunday morning when the earthquake struck. If there can ever be a good time for the almighty's mysterious ways to take their course, this was surely it. Wineries were empty, the harvest not yet brought in, vats largely unused. One can only imagine the carnage had the 6.0 tremor struck 10 days later, during working hours, as the mass of hired hands were stacking up pallet upon pallet of grapes inside Napa cellars.

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.

Top Majestic buyers demand better service from suppliers

Leading Majestic wine buyers have defended the chain from taking share from independent merchants and demanded better service from major wine suppliers with "laughable" demands.