Scotland win the World Cup...Harpers Predictions game!

James Macdonald of Burlington Drinks can hold his head up high today as the canniest, wisest football tipster in the UK wine and spirits industry as he came out top in the Harpers World Cup Predictathon.

T.E.D signs up ethical wine suppliers for new sustainable restaurant

David Beckham's Haig Club whisky goes on sale in Selfridges

David Beckham's exclusive new whisky, Haig Club, that he has developed with Diageo, is now exclusively on sale at Selfridges in London until the end of July before being rolled out to wider distribution.

Bibendum's launches 15-strong sake range for UK on-trade and independents

Last week marked the offical launch of Bibendum's new range of sakes to the on-trade and independent merchants in the UK.

UK spirits market is "more polarised than ever" says new William Grant & Sons report

Tesco Wine Fairs set to attact 15,000 visitors to shows this autumn

Tesco Wine Fairs are set to return this coming autumn at five locations throughout the UK, including a switch to Earls Court in London to cope with the expected increase in visitors.

Tim Atkin on Moore, Banks and Batty in his World Cup memories

The World Cup final is only two days to go and who better to get you in the mood than wine critic, broadcaster and more importantly Tottenham Hotspur fan (we think!), Tim Atkin MW. Here are his World Cup memories:

World Cup drinks sales to top £1bn but dry up as tournament reaches its end

As we enter the final stage of the World Cup it seems the great British public is ready to put down its pint glass as well as turn off the football on television.

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, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Australian premium wine not growing as fast as key competitors

Australian wine is not growing as fast at the premium end of the market as key competing countries like France, according to figures from Nielsen.

Glenmorangie Pride 1978 is my finest whisky yet, says Dr Bill Lumsden

Glenmorangie claims its new release, Pride 1978, which has been extra matured in casks of Grand Cru claret wine, is its most exclusive launch yet and follows on the success of the Pride 1981 which was released in 2011.

UK wine buyers to look more closely at alcohol levels, says Portman chief

UK wine buyers will start factoring alcohol content into their buying decisions on the back of a new Responsibility Deal pledge around lower alcohol house wines, says Portman Group chief Henry Ashworth. 

Frescobaldi family to open first UK restaurant

Acclaimed Italian wine family, the Frescobaldis, is to open its first standalone restaurant and wine bar in the UK.

Calling all drinks businesses: share your Responsibility Deal successes

Following this week's public backing of the drinks industry by the government for the work it has done to comply with the Responsibility Deal, Harpers is now giving drinks businesses the chance to share and publicise the efforts they have made.

Tanqueray No Ten gin launches new bottle and rooftop pop up bar

Tanqueray No Ten is celebrating its new art deco bottle design with a rooftop pop-up bar in central London.

Chris Stroud's World Cup Memories with Saudi Arabia, Roger Milla and Bryan Robson

Professor Dame Joan Stringer first chair of Scotch Whisky Action Fund

Leading academic Professor Dame Joan Stringer, known for her work on championing equality, is to become the first chair of the Scotch Whisky Action Fund, set up to tackle alcohol-related harm.

UK wine market expected to grow in value by 6% by 2018

The UK wine market is expected to grow in value by 6.1% to £13.14 billion by 2018, with volume growth forecast to pick up again in 2017.

?Roussillon's Maison Cazes buys vineyard in Maury

Maison Cazes, the Rivesaltes-based producer, has expanded its Roussillon holdings by buying a new vineyard in Maury.

Over 55s increasingly happy with new smart technology to buy online

Drinks brands and retailers looking to target the key over 55 grey market should do so through smartphones, tablets and the internet as the older generation becomes increasingly comfortable with technology.