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.

Global leaders head to London for Wine Vision 2014

UK's top French wine experts lined up for October's France Summit

A line up of top speakers from across the UK wine trade, including Master Sommeliers, multiple buyers, restaurateurs and leading independents will all be taking part in the second Harpers France Summit taking place on October 21 at London's St Ermin's Hotel.

The Almeida reopens with new twist on a wine list - it does not have one

One of London's first restaurants without a wine list has just reopened after a mini refurbishment. The Almeida in Islington, north London, will instead rely on its waiting staff to make their own personal recommendations tailored to guests' individual budgets, style preferences and food order.

Second Emerging Regions Tasting kicks off the 'Tasting Season'

Paying suppliers late now seen as normal business practice says MasterCard study

Paying suppliers late is now seen as part of normal business practice by many international companies, according to a new study.

Advertising legend Sir John Hegarty to be star turn at WSTA conference

Advertising guru turned wine producer, St John Hegarty, is to give the keynote talk at this month's Wine & Spirit Trade Association annual conference.

Vinexpo strengthens management team ahead of 2015 Bordeaux show

Vinexpo has strengthened its management team ahead of next year's exhibition in Bordeaux with two new directors joining the team.

Australian winemakers to join Negociants on tour of UK independents

Negociants UK will be hitting the road later this month  as part of a nationwide tour of tastings focused on the independent and on-trade. 

Drinks wholesalers face stiff "penalties" for not registering with HMRC

England's largest whisky distillery gives members chance to own personal cask

England's largest whisky distillery, The Lakes Distillery near Bassenthwaite Lake in Cumbria, is to produce 60 Connoisseurs' Club oak sherry casks, filled with the Lakes single malt and owned exclusively by club members.

Brasserie Bar Company to follow British Queen launch with up to 20 more pubs

Brasserie Bar Company has just opened its fourth pub,  The British Queen, in Locksbottom, Orpintgon, Kent.

Sake Sommelier of the Year competition open for entries

The search to find this year's Sake Sommelier of the Year is now on with entries open to win not only a £5,000 prize but a trip to Japan to delve even deeper in to the world of sake.

Hawskmoor's fourth annual charity dinner tickets go on sale

Tickets for Hawksmoor's fourth annual charity dinner which raise money for Action Against Hunger and is set to be held on Saturday 11 October are now on sale.

Lourensford Estate on look out for new UK partner after it leaves Hatch Mansfield

Pernod Ricard still 'extremely optimistic' about China despite 23% drop

Despite taking a 23% hit in China, according to Pernod Ricard's year-end financial results, the company is still "extremely optimistic" about the potential of the Chinese market moving forward.

Berry Bros & Rudd takes on Sweden's Karlsson's Gold Vodka

The Swedish premium vodka, Karlsson's Gold Vodka, is the latest addition to Berry Bros & Rudd's growing spirtis portfoliio.

L'Enclume is number one is Waitrose Good Food Guide 2015

The Waitrose Good Food Guide has released its list of the Top 50 outlets in the UK which sees Simon Rogan's L'Enclume in the Lake District pip Heston Blumenthal's The Fat Duck to the top spot.