Mike Matthews on the quality of Edinburgh's wine merchants

You're in the Scottish capital and you're looking for a decent bottle of wine, where do you go? It would be easy to think of Scotland's drinking habits, based on the stereotypical image of the nation's tartan army, as being fuelled by whisky and beer but not wine; fair enough when you consider you are in single malt country and Belhaven is readily available at almost every corner.

Wemyss Malts to build whisky distillery in Fife

The Wemyss family, owner of Wemyss Malts has announced it is to build a single malt whisky distillery and visitor centre on the back of a grant from the Scottish government.

New Benevolent chairman pledges JF Hillebrand will match customer donations

Drinks logistics firm JF Hillebrand has pledged to match donations made by its customers to The Benevolent as director Chris Porter begins a two-year stint as the charity's chairman.

Burgundy En Primeur 2011 Tasting Reviews: Institute of Masters of Wine Burgundy Seminar

To help you keep on top of the large number of Burgundy tastings this month for the 2011 en primeur campaign Harpers is publishing reviews direct from key tastings and related Burgundy events from members of the trade. Here Anne Krebiehl reports from the Institue of Masters of Wines seminar and debate on Burgundy held this week.

Live news blog: Christmas trading results

Last chance to win in Harpers end of year quiz

Do you know which movie character was fond of a White Russian? If you do then you stand a chance of winning six bottles of Cloudy Bay Pelorus and lots of other prizes in the Harpers Christmas quiz. But hurry closing date is next Tuesday.

Majestic posts Christmas sales rise

Majestic Wine chief executive Steve Lewis has described the Christmas trading season as "challenging", despite posting a rise in sales.

Eating out set to rise, experts predict

The foodservice sector is set to reverse last year's sales decline to grow modestly this year, according to foodservice consultancy Horizons.

Bacardi snaps up St-Germain elderflower liqueur

Bacardi has acquired premium elderflower liqueur brand St-Germain from The Cooper Spirits Company.

New Blanc de Blancs launched by Nyetimber

West Sussex-based English wine producer Nyetimber has released its 2007 Blanc de Blancs.

UK Sommelier Association (North Area) rolls out fast-track course

The UK Sommelier Association (North Area), is to roll out one of the only northern-based fully accredited sommelier courses from February 2013.

UK Sommelier Association (North) rolls out fast-track sommelier course

The UK Sommelier Association (North), is to roll out one of the only northern based fully accredited sommelier course from February 2013.

Vinexpo gears up for 2013 wine and spirits exhibition

Vinexpo has begun its six-month countdown to its 2013 wine and spirits exhibition, which will take place in Bordeaux from June 16-20.

Wines in the press, January 3 - 6

The Guardian

Scotland Food & Drink event encourages Amazon link up

Not-for-profit organisation Scotland Food & Drink has launched an event to encourage Scottish whisky and spirits distillers to grow its sales through online retailer Amazon.

Bancroft Wines lines up newcomers for annual tasting

Bancroft Wines is claiming to hold its "most comprehensive portfolio tasting ever" on February 5 in London.

Call for entries to Moët UK Sommelier of the Year

The Academy of Food & Wine Service is calling for entries to the Moët UK Sommelier of the Year 2013.

Smarter Grower Champagne launched by former KPMG accountant

Former KPMG accountant Ken Davey has launched a boutique grower Champagne business, Smarter Grower Champagne, after being made redundant from the corporate world.

PLB signs up new Ribero del Duero producer

Premium Ribero del Duero producer Protos has secured its first UK-wide distribution agreement with PLB.

Bargain Booze develops convenience offering

Off-licence chain Bargain Booze has revealed plans to expand its frozen food range this year after growing sales in its 600-plus stores.