Trade figures line up to appear on Harpers new YouTube service

It's time to grab a cup of coffee and catch up on Harpers new Youtube service full of interviews and catch ups with key trade figures, starting with Laurie Webster of Las Bodegas at this week's SITT tasting in London.

Sterling strengthens against euro and dollar

Sterling performed well yesterday strengthening against both the euro and the dollar as the markets absorbed the news out of Europe and the US.

Laithwaites buys third Bordeaux vineyard

Laithwaites Wine, has bought its third vineyard, Chateau du Bois, near Castillon in Bordeaux, France.

Sterling gains, as UK consumer spending climbs to eight month high

Sterling held its own yesterday and even gained against some currencies.

Diageo promotes Ivan Menezes to chief operating officer

Diageo has promoted its current North America and Asia Pacific boss Ivan Menezes to chief operating officer.

Moreno to distribute Rocca delle Macìe and Barceló wines

Inverarity Morton invests in £400k restructure

Inverarity Morton, the company formed from the merger of Scotland's Inverarity Vaults and Wm Morton, is to invest £400,000 in a reorganisation.

Snow Queen vodka given revamp

The super premium organic vodka from Kazakhstan,  Snow Queen, has introduced a new design to its 70cl, to give greater shelf impact.

Searcys shakes up Champagne menu

Searcys is sexing up its Champagne list by ditching the "boring old" traditional categories.

Napa breaks auction record

Winemakers in the Napa Valley are hopeful of a better-than-expected 2012 following a record-breaking fundraising auction.

Independent Blueprint for Success seminar to take place at 2pm at London SITT

Anyone visiting the London SITT tasting on Wednesday, February 29 are reminded the Blueprint for Success seminar with expert first hand advice on running an independent business by leading merchants and on-trade wine consultants will take place at 2pm and not 11am as advertised.

Is UK set for Moscato explosion?

As many as 3 million UK consumers aren't happy with the white wine on offer in stores - paving the way for a Moscato explosion.

Drinkaware: campaigns start to effect behaviour change

Drinkaware's message is getting through - research into how effective the charity's campaigns are has shown the beginnings of behaiour change.

Harpers' Indies Uncovered research: consumers willing to spend more with indies

A fifth of shoppers at independent wine merchants are spending £30-£40 at a time on wine, according to Harpers' exclusive Indies Uncovered research.

Website attempts to change Brits' buying habits

A members-only website which gives consumers exclusive access to hard-to-find wines at attractive prices is launching in the UK.

Chinese buy five more Bordeaux houses

Chinese investors have bought five more Bordeaux chateaux in recent weeks, according to reports.

Wines in the press, February 24-26

The Guardian
Barely a week goes by without some commemorative day or week to celebrate, and now there's Carignan Day, on the Februrary 29, says Fiona Beckett.

Independent Complaints Panel appoints two new recruits

The panel which investigates complaints over irresponsible drinks marketing has recruited a health promotions expert and journalist.

Two natural wine fairs in London not 'ideal'

London would have one natural wine show "in an ideal world", according to the organiser of one of two events scheduled for the same dates in May.

Calls for entries to Bols Around the World bartending competition

Bols is calling for entries to its Bols Around the World, global bartending competition.