Burgundy wines tries to buck falling UK sales with week-long event

The generic body behind Burgundy wines in the UK is launching a week long showcase of the region's wines in London in January 2015 as part of a bid to counteract its slump in sales.

Still time to test your knowledge and take the Harpers Quizmas Quiz Challenge!

There has been a lot going on over the last 12 months and it can be hard to keep up with the latest news, views and opinions in the UK wine and spirits sector. So why not find out how much you remember or what caught your attention in 2014 by taking part in our fun Harpers Quizmas Quiz Challenge.

Taiwan's wine imports growing at 27% per year

Taiwan's wine imports have grown by 27% per year between 2008 and 2012, and are expected to remain in double digit growth until 2017.

Treasury Wine Estates to slim down branded portfolio

Treasury Wine Estates is focusing its investment on 15 global umbrella brands, 20 international brands, and 20 local brands, out of its 80-strong portfolio.

James Bond returns to vodka - Belvedere vodka for new Spectre film

Bond is back and this time's he's drinking vodka. Belvedere vodka to be exact.

Town centres 'hollowing out' over lack of local plans

Instil Drinks appoints new MD and brings PLB beer portfolio under its wing

Bibendum PLB's beer and niche spirits trading arm Instil Drinks Company has incorporated PLB's extensive beer range into its portfolio, including its flagship Estrella Galicia.

Bargain Booze launches discount app to drive sales

Bargain Booze - the 500-strong franchised off-licence chain operated by Conviviality Retail - is investing in an app which will offer customer discounts.

BBC Food & Drink's new double act of Joe Wadsack and Tom Kerridge goes live on January 2

Joe Wadsack, the acclaimed wine broadcaster and consultant, will make his first appearance as the new face of wine on BBC's Food & Drink programme when the programme is re-launched with two Michelin-star chef, Tom Kerridge, on January 2, 2015. 

Grey Goose takes over London Tube station with huge ad

Grey Goose vodka has taken over the full length of London's Bank Underground Station with the "largest piece of single advertising creative" in UK history in the run-up to Christmas.

Single serve wine brand Zipz looks to hit UK shelves early 2015

Single serve PET wine glass Zipz, which took the US by storm after securing the largest ever investment on the country's TV show Shark Tank, is aiming to hit UK shelves by the first quarter of 2015.

'Help us help you': wine and spirits trade call to Chancellor

"Help us, help you" was the direct message laid down to the Chancellor by the wine and spirits industry at today's media launch of its new Drop the Duty campaign.

Tesco in bid to scrap controversial supplier fees

Tesco is planning on scrapping its complex system of supplier fees in a move that could shake up the grocery sector.

WSTA and SWA call for 2% duty cut with launch of Drop the Duty! campaign

The Wine and Spirits Trade Association and the Scotch Whisky Association have teamed up to launch the Drop the Duty campaign which calls for a 2% cut in alcohol duty in the March Budget, saying it will boost public finances by £1.5 billion. 

The Week That Was: news, views and opinions on Harpers.co.uk

If you have been out and about a lot this week enjoying the build up to Christmas, or busy trying to cash in on some festive sales, here is a round up what you might have mised here on Harpers.co.uk:

Chiefs of the Week: Plucky members of Skin Côntact - live March 9, Vinopolis, London

Whisky Birmingham to attract 150 whisky players to its 2015 show

Over 150 whiskies will be on show at Whisky Birmingham on March 7, 2015, England's largest whisky festival outside London.

EWGA acquires Heritage Wines and strengthens distribution across south west and London

Two of the UK's largest regional wine wholesalers have come together in a deal that sees Heritage Wines and its bonded warehouse acquired by EWGA.

Lidl comes out top of the grocers for the most effective Christmas TV ad

As if Lidl's 2014 could not get any better, it has now been found to have produced the most effective Christmas television advert, even beating John Lewis's Monty the penguin in to second place.

David Beckham's Haig Club whisky to open pop-up bar and retail store for Christmas