National Wine Month all set for May 2011

The trade is being urged to enthuse consumers next year with the first National Wine Month, an initiative being run by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.

The Famous Grouse launches festive ad campaign

The Famous Grouse has launched its 15th consecutive Christmas TV advertising campaign which is estimated to reach 40 million viewers.

Job prospects good for drinks industry, says Chin Chin Jobs

Drinks businesses are reporting "outstanding results" which means good job prospects, according to drinks recruitment agency, Chin Chin Jobs.

Baltic shipwreck find includes 19th century Veuve Clicquot

Veuve Clicquot has confirmed that the Champagne shipment discovered on a wreck at the bottom of the Baltic sea last July includes Veuve Clicquot Champagne.

Positive retail figures help sterling gain against US dollar

Sterling gained against the US dollar yesterday as positive retail sales figures and factory orders helped lift the pound back over $1.60/£1 but it struggled to hold above that level.

Diageo linked to bid for Jim Beam

Diageo has been linked with a bid for Jim Beam, the number two American whiskey brand after Jack Daniel's.

Call for higher VAT on supermarket alcohol

VAT should be increased on drinks sold in supermarkets and off-licences - but not the on-trade, a leading doctor has suggested.

Fuller's grows wine division

Fuller's, the London brewer and pubs operator, has reported a big increase in profits, helped by a strong performance from its wine division.

Independents and on-trade look to benefit from #winedealfriday

Anyone looking to service the independent or on-trade sectors is today encouraged to join the growing the number of suppliers that are using Harpers Wine & Spirit's #winedealfriday to offer special deals directly through Twitter, the social media service.

Analysis: How vital is a wine qualification?

Susanna Forbes launches British drinks website

A website dedicated to showcasing British drinks and promoting the best places to visit has been launched by industry journalist, Susanna Forbes.

Slurp sells out of wine with email voucher campaign

Michael Mondavi wines go on sale through Bibendum

Chile Summit secures expertise of leading MWs

Two Masters of Wine - Peter McCombie and Peter Richards - will be sharing their expertise on Chilean wine in a series of exclusive masterclasses at the Harpers Chile Summit on Monday, November 22.

Eristoff ramps up advertising with £250k spend

Pig in a Poke signs up with Dating in the Dark

Pig in a Poke has signed a deal with Living TV to be the official wine supplier for the next series of Dating in the Dark.

Sterling edges up after unemployment benefit claims fall

Sterling edged up yesterday after an unexpected drop in the number of people claiming unemployment benefits.

Get involved with wine qualification debate

For the wine trade a WSET qualification has long been highly sought-after ? but this week Harpers checks out whether the next generation of wine movers and shakers feel the same.

In our analysis, we discovered most wine industry professional still value the WSET certificates. But the blogging community, according to blogger Robert McIntosh of wineconversation.com, points out that having a slightly different view point ? one that's not so "standardised" ? can be healthy.

Since our digital edition was published Twitter has come alive with interested parties calling for it to be available on the website so that it can be discussed.

Please tweet your comments using #HarpersWineWSET.

Spirits producers in sensible drinking pledge

European spirits producers have pledged to step up their efforts to promote sensible drinking.

Jameson Cult Film Club returns

Irish whiskey brand Jameson is again using film as a way of engaging with its audience.