Eastern European wines take host of medals at International Wine Challenge 2014

Eastern Europe's wine producing countries have enjoyed their most successful result ever in the International Wine Challenge closely followed by a strong performance from other emerging wine regions.

Hollywood actor turned winemaker Sam Neill wins two gold medals at International Wine Challenge 2014

Conviviality Retail predicts full-year earnings to beat expectations

Franchised off-licence group Conviviality Retail forecasts full year earnings to be slightly ahead of expectations despite flat sales at Bargain Booze for the 52 weeks to April 27.

Campo Viejo's Streets of Spain festival attracts 300,000 people

Campo Viejo's Streets of Spain festival doubled in size this year, attracting 300,000 people to London's Southbank Centre over the May bank holiday.

Top 10 En Primeur wines by Bordeaux winemaker Gavin Quinney

The Influential Bordeaux winemaker, Gavin Quinney, owner of Château Bauduc in Bordeaux, has picked out his Top 10 picks from this year's en primeur campaign that he thinks show the best value and quality for the trade to invest in. It is part of his wider analysis of the overall en primeur campaign for Harpers.co.uk which includes his comprehensive scores of all the main wines from the leading chateaux. 

French bulk wine availability remains tight

Availability of most varieties of bulk French wine remains tight, although this should ease as wineries look to clear some older stock.

Proof of age scheme PASS launches new identity card

Proof of Age scheme PASS is launching a new-look card on June 10 which will standardise designs and make recognition easier for retailers.

Treasury Wine Estates UK off-trade sales soar 17%

Treasury Wine Estates is committing itself to a multimillion pound spend across the UK off-trade this summer as it announces a 17% increase in its own off-trade sales to £193 million in 2013-2014 (Nielsen MAT March 29, 2014)  .

Bottle Green poaches national account manager from Australian Vintage

Wine importer and distributor Bottle Green as appointed Russell Smith to senior national account manager, with responsibility for two national off-trade customers.

Conviviality Retail acquires 26 Rhythm & Booze Stores for £1.7m

Conviviality Retail, which owns Bargain Booze and Wine Rack, has bought 26 Rhythm & Booze off-licences in Yorkshire and the north east from Bibby Retail Services for £1.7 milllion.

The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

In case you missed some of the headlines this week (and a bit of last week due to the long weekend) on harpers.co.uk, we have done a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Wines from Rioja is launching 'Shop Rioja' retailer promotion

Wines from Rioja is going to be holding a retailer promotion competition for the whole of October, called 'Shop Rioja', aiming to promote the region to consumers and offering independent and online retailers an opportunity to win £1000 towards new Rioja listings.news

UK bulk wine bottling set to increase

Four out of 10 bottles of wine in the UK are shipped in bulk and packaged here - but industry insiders say that figure is rising.

Supermarket moves to sell wines by glass not a "slam dunk"

Moving more into hospitality with wine by the glass sales and casual dining is not a "slam dunk" route to success for the supermarkets.

Riesling producers from around the world head to London for Great Riesling Tasting

Over 50 Riesling producers from around the world will be in London for the Great Riesling Tasting next month which takes place on May 12.

Nick Mantella steps down as UK managing director of Codorniu

Nick Mantella has stepped down as managing director of sparkling wine company Codorniu UK after 12 years at the firm.

Laithwaite's appoints former Carphone Warehouse boss as managing director

Scotland's minimum price plan referred to European Court

The Scottish government's plan to introduce a minimum price for alcohol has been referred to the European Court of Justice.

Michelin star chef Jason Atherton opens City Social in Tower 42

Award winning chef, Jason Atherton, has opened his new City Social restaurant situated in the Tower 42 skyscraper that dominates the skyline of the City of London.

Stevens Garnier to distribute Finca Flichman through Molson Coors

Stevens Garnier has appointed Molson Coors to distribute its Argentinian brand Finca Flichman in the on-trade.