Country analysis: Californian wines hit the jackpot in the UK

It seems California wines have struck gold in the UK in recent years, as the value of US wine exports has exponentially grown within the global wine market, despite volumes staying relatively stable, writes Erin Smith

High dining in the "Walkie Talkie's" Sky Garden

Rhubarb, the south-west London-based caterer-turned-restaurateur has three venues atop the £200-million 20 Fenchurch Street, nicknamed the "Walkie-Talkie" for its distinctive top-heavy shape. Together, the Sky Pod Bar, Darwin Brasserie and Fenchurch Seafood Bar & Grill are intended to form a "gourmet, garden oasis". And so they do, writes Douglas Blyde.

Pernod Ricard's Denis O'Flynn urges senior industry figures to sign up and back WSTA

More senior businesses and figures in the UK wine and spirits industry need to get behind the work of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association to try and protects its future growth, according to Denis O'Flynn, managing director of Pernod Ricard UK, and the trade body's new chairman.

Bordeaux's last chance to transform "out of touch" en primeur system says Tim Atkin

Leading UK wine critic and Harpers columnist, Tim Atkin MW, has fired a warning shot across the bows of Bordeaux and warned its producers and chateaux that they need to listen to the international critricism of its en primeur system and make serious changes or risk looking "ridiculous" in the eyes of the wine world.

Chiefs of the Week: the UK's independent wine merchants

For over the last month Harpers has been celebrating and putting the spotlight on the work independent wine merchants do and the growing importance they have on the drinks industry as part of our March for the Independents campaign.

Indies must set the agenda with suppliers to be better buyers hears Harpers conference

It does not matter how good you are at tasting wine, if there is one skill every independent merchant must master it is the power to get the most out of the suppliers you choose to supply your wine.

Martin Williams: Ex-Gaucho boss on theatre of dining at his new 'M Restaurants'

Martin Williams caused a stir in the restaurant world when he announced he was leaving his top job at Gaucho Grill to go it alone in a 300-seat destination dining venue in central London. But he could not be happier following the opening of his new venture "M".

UK vs France: the differences in marketing regulation of alcoholic drinks

If we think drinks legislation is inhibitive in the UK we only need look across the Channel to cheer ourselves. We asked Dr Tom Farrell and Dr Beno&icirct Lecat which system is more fit for purpose in the 21st century.

Mitchells & Butlers: what on-trade buyers are looking for from their suppliers

Former Somerfield wine buyer and restaurant consultant Angela Mount asks Henry Boyes, wine procurement manager for Mitchells & Butlers, what suppliers need to do to satisfy the largest on-trade group in the UK.

Denis O'Flynn, Pernod Ricard UK, why we need to get behind the WSTA

Denis O'Flynn, managing director of Pernod Ricard UK, talks about his plans as the new chairman of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association.

Dan Jago was "never suspended" from the business says Tesco

Tesco has confirmed to Harpers.co.uk that Dan Jago, who is returning to the business on March 9, was never actually suspended from the company, but asked to "step aside".

Wine Treasury to distribute US based Terlato Wines in the UK

Wine Treasury a London-based speciality wine importer has added Terlato Wine brands Rutherford Hill from Napa Valley and Grace Lane from Washington state to its portfolio.

Supplier Profile: Hatch Mansfield

Supplier Profile: Ehrmanns Independent Selection

Supplier Profile: Treasury Wine Estates

Supplier Profile: Bodegas y Viñedos Codorníu Raventós

Supplier Profile: Les Grands Chais de France

Supplier Profile: Châteaux et Domaines Castel

Harpers independents' poll reveals growing split between performance of UK wine merchants

There is a growing split between the scale, performance and growth of the country's independent wine merchants, according to an exclusive poll conducted for Harpers March for the Independents conference being held today in London.

Les Dauphins hopes to promote niche areas of the Rhône to mass wine consumers