Ruth Yates joins expert online panel for Harpers debate at PLB Manchester tasting

Ruth Yates, the award winning independent wine merchant who runs the Corks Out chain across the north west, is the latest name to join the Harpers panel looking at opportunities for online sales and retailing at next month's PLB independent roadshow tasting in Manchester on March 5.

Vinisud attracts buyers from around the world to highlight its Mediterranean wine and spirits

Over 1,600 exhibitors from across the Mediterranean's world of wine and spirits are set to descend on Montpellier in Southern France next week for this year's Vinisud trade show which hopes to attract buyers from all over the world.

Update: Tributes made from across the trade following the death of Michael Cox

Tributes from across the trade are being made to Michael Cox, the highly respected industry figure and European head of Wine of Chile who died last night after a year long battle with bile duct cancer. 

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.

Michael Cox UK head of Wines of Chile and respected industry figure has died from cancer

Michael Cox, the highly respected wine trade figure, died last night having lost his year long battle with bile duct cancer. He was at home, as was his wish, and was surrounded by his close family.

Copestick Murray shoots for top wine brand spots

Copestick Murray is aiming for its I Heart range to become one of the UK's top 10 wine brands and Mionetto to be the number one Prosecco brand within five years. 

International memorial services lined up for Charles Grant Gordon

Memorial services are being held in Glasgow and New York for Charles Grant Gordon, the man behind Glenfiddich's international success.

Concha y Toro relaunches Frontera in to the UK focusing on Chilean heritage

Concha y Toro's Frontera is being relaunched in the UK next month with labels linked to the wine's natural heritage and Chilean folk poetry.

Treasury Wine Estates appoints industry outsider as new chief executive

Treasury Wine Estates has appointed industry outsider Michael Clarke, veteran of Kraft Foods and Coca-Cola, as its new managing director and chief executive.

Jim Beam Signature Craft 12-Year bourbon set for UK launch

Jim Beam is expanding its ultra premium whiskey selection in the UK with the launch of its Signature Craft 12-Year expression through Maxxium UK.

Giraffe restaurant designer set to launch London BBQ and rum shack

Spirits agency Mangrove forms separate company as growth accelerates

Rioja sales to UK flat in 2013 but remains in top spot

Rioja sales to the UK were flat in 2013, but it remains the region's top performing foreign market accounting for one third of its exports.

Growth of London Cocktail Week leads to sale

CÎROC peach vodka gets UK launch

The super-premium C&IcircROC vodka, part of Diageo's Reserve Brands, is launching a peach flavoured expression.

London diners opting for more expensive wines, says D&D London

London diners are spending more on wine, according to 34-strong restaurant group D&D London, which saw average bottle spend grow 6.5% in December.

Renaissance Pubs to open boutique hotel

London bar group Renaissance Pubs is to open its first boutique hotel.

Limited supply of French wines on bulk market

Online retailer Winetrust100 hits targets for first year

Portuguese winery Esporão launches first vintage port