Gerard Basset leads line up for Discover the Origin masterclasses around the UK

The UK on-trade is for the last time going to have the chance to literally Discover the Origin of some of the most iconic drink and food products produced in the European Union with a series of masterclasses featuring some of the trade's most well known figures including Gerard Basset MW, MS.

Specialist drinks retailers not enjoying same level of growth as rest of high street says CBI

Specialist drink and food retailers are not performing as strongly as the rest of the retail industry which has seen sales grow at their fastest pace since June 2012, according to the latest figures from the CBI.

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

A week is a long time in the world of wine of spirits. Here is our round up of the main news, views and opinions that have appeared on Harpers.co.uk over the last week.

Leading industry experts to share their experiences with first Wine Buyers forum

The inaugural Wine Buyers Forum taking place in Windsor next month will give buyers from across the on and off-trades the chance to get first hand advice from leading industry figures and take part in a number of business workshops that look to address the key issues facing buyers today.

Wine exports from the United States reach record levels

Wine exports from the United States reached a record $1.55 billion in 2013 up 16.4% on 2012 with California now accounting for 90% of all American wine sold around the world.

Liberty Wines prioritises customer education over London Wine Fair

Liberty Wines is prioritising its customer roadshows ahead of major trade exhibitions and won't be attending London Wine Fair this year. 

Scotch whisky industry seeks clarity over independence

The Scotch whisky industry is asking for clarity from both the UK and Scottish governments ahead of the independence referendum on what it would mean for business.

Enotria 'raises head above parapet' in 2014

Enotria is preparing to "raise it head above the parapet" in 2014, as it launches a new corporate identity, expands its sales force and increases its market insights.

Call Time on Duty piles pressure on government as Budget looms

The Call Time on Duty campaign is ramping up its activity in the final weeks before the Budget with a coaster campaign in pubs urging consumers to lobby MPs.

Speyburn Distillery plans £4m expansion

Speyburn Distillery is to double its production with a £4 million expansion to cope with growing global demand for Scotch whisky.

Moët UK Sommelier of the Year contest now open

Diageo slapped on wrist by ASA over Captain Morgan ad

Diageo has been rapped on the knuckles for its Captain Morgan ad which "links alcohol with daring and toughness".

ProWein ups Champagne focus

ProWein is ramping up its Champagne focus in 2014, with double the focus on the sparkling wine compared to last year.

Belfast's Direct Wine Shipments to launch wine academy

Belfast's Direct Wine Shipments is launching an academy to boost wine knowledge in the local hospitality industry, which is seen as vital to enhancing the region's gowing tourism market.   

Gallo muscles into premium wine sector

E&J Gallo is aiming to grow its share of the premium end of the wine market with the launch of two new brands, Dark Horse and Apothic Red, despite the fact that the average spend on a bottle of wine in the UK still hovers around the £5 mark.

UK sales of Fairtrade wine jump 15% in 2013

Weak rand helps South Africa's Distell's sales

New Cru level for Les Dauphins wine brand

Rhône producer Cellier des Dauphins is launching a new premium red wine under its Les Dauphins brand.

Southern hemisphere harvests get underway

SITT Spring opens its doors to independents in Manchester

Leading independent merchants, sommeliers and restaurateurs will be heading to Manchester's Old Trafford Cricket Club today for the start of this spring's Specialist Importers Trade Tasting and the chance to discover new and diverse wines from suppliers focused on the independent sector.