Bordeaux's last chance to transform "out of touch" en primeur system says Tim Atkin

Leading UK wine critic and Harpers columnist, Tim Atkin MW, has fired a warning shot across the bows of Bordeaux and warned its producers and chateaux that they need to listen to the international critricism of its en primeur system and make serious changes or risk looking "ridiculous" in the eyes of the wine world.

Chiefs of the Week: the UK's independent wine merchants

For over the last month Harpers has been celebrating and putting the spotlight on the work independent wine merchants do and the growing importance they have on the drinks industry as part of our March for the Independents campaign.

Sherry to benefit from boost to marketing spend

Sherry is set to benefit from a boost, after the regulatory body successfully doubled its global marketing spend.

Lords committee calls for reform of EU tax laws

A House of Lords committee has called on the EU to reform the structure of alcohol tax so that variable taxes on wine and cider according to alcoholic strength can be introduced.

South Africa's wild fires under control as wineries assess damage to vines

Cape Town, South Africa, which has been battling some of the worst wild fires the country has seen in over a decade, has now seen the blaze brought under control and wine authorities are starting to assess any potential vineyard damage.

Diversifying in to cafes, bars and events are key for growth hears March for Indies conference

Independent merchants are seeing growth through expansion and diversification, moving from a purely traditional merchant and wholesale model to embrace new revenue streams, the March for the Independents conference heard.

To succeed online takes hard work, time and money independents are warned

Driving online sales may be a priority for independent wine merchants, but to do it successfully requires a lot of hard work, takes up a great deal of time and crucially costs a lot of money.

Indies must set the agenda with suppliers to be better buyers hears Harpers conference

It does not matter how good you are at tasting wine, if there is one skill every independent merchant must master it is the power to get the most out of the suppliers you choose to supply your wine.

Last chance for the Bordelais to get it right with 'out of touch' en primeur

There's a scene in This is Spinal Tap, Rob Reiner's 1984 spoof rockumentary about English heavy metal band Spinal Tap, that features a live performance of a song called "Stonehenge".

Jascots launches own Italian sparkling wine on draught called 'Vino Vispo' for the on-trade

Jascots Wine Merchants launched its own brand Italian sparkling wine on draught called 'Vino Vispo' targeting the on-trade casual dining sector.

Dan Jago was "never suspended" from the business says Tesco

Tesco has confirmed to Harpers.co.uk that Dan Jago, who is returning to the business on March 9, was never actually suspended from the company, but asked to "step aside".

Brown Forman Q3 rise in profits driven by Jack Daniel's and premium whiskey growth

Brown Forman's reported underlying net sales grew by 5% and operating income increased by 7% for the first nine months of fiscal 2015 ending on January 31, 2015, despite the headwinds of a strengthening US dollar and unfavourable foreign exchange.

Loire wine exports to the UK sees further growth

Shifting retail landscape likely to benefit independents, Wilson says

Shifts expected in the off-trade over the next 12 months are likely to create a "huge opportunity" for independent merchants, according to Tim Wilson of the Wilson Drinks Report.

Quintessential buys French spirits producer Lafragette & Legier

Independents join forces and debate key issues at Harpers business conference

Independent wine merchants gathered in London yesterday at a conference organised by Harpers Wine & Spirit which put the spotlight firmly on the big issues facing the sector.

Origin Wine spearheads new campaign to get more wines bottled in South Africa

South Africa is set to increase its exports of bottled wine next year, following a change in the quota of duty free wine that is allowed to be exported to the EU as from 2016. In a campaign spearheaded by Origin Wines, one of South Africa's biggest exporters, other producers are being urged to switch to bottling to take advantage of the new allowances.

M Restaurants to celebrate World Malbec Day with mini vineyard in the City of London

M Restaurants, set up by former Gaucho managing director, Martin Williams, at the end of last year, is to celebrate World Malbec Day next month by creating a mini Malbec vineyard outside its venue in the City of London.

Distell new range targets on-trade

South African wine company Distell has launched its limited edition Nederburg Heritage Heroes range into the UK as it pushes its on-trade business.

Wine Treasury to distribute US based Terlato Wines in the UK

Wine Treasury a London-based speciality wine importer has added Terlato Wine brands Rutherford Hill from Napa Valley and Grace Lane from Washington state to its portfolio.