Spike in applications for craft distillers' licences takes HMRC 'by surprise'

The number of applications for craft distiller licences in the UK has taken HMRC "by surprise", spiking from two last year, to 35 so far in 2014.

Burgundy wines tries to buck falling UK sales with week-long event

The generic body behind Burgundy wines in the UK is launching a week long showcase of the region's wines in London in January 2015 as part of a bid to counteract its slump in sales.

Still time to test your knowledge and take the Harpers Quizmas Quiz Challenge!

There has been a lot going on over the last 12 months and it can be hard to keep up with the latest news, views and opinions in the UK wine and spirits sector. So why not find out how much you remember or what caught your attention in 2014 by taking part in our fun Harpers Quizmas Quiz Challenge.

James Bond returns to vodka - Belvedere vodka for new Spectre film

Bond is back and this time's he's drinking vodka. Belvedere vodka to be exact.

Matthew Gaughan on what the UK can learn from the rise of craft beers in the US

As in the UK, the beer scene in the US has been transformed over the last 20 years. As mainstream lagers have got blander and colder, craft breweries have sprung up around the country to be greeted by an enthusiastic and increasingly knowledgeable set of drinkers.

BBC Food & Drink's new double act of Joe Wadsack and Tom Kerridge goes live on January 2

Joe Wadsack, the acclaimed wine broadcaster and consultant, will make his first appearance as the new face of wine on BBC's Food & Drink programme when the programme is re-launched with two Michelin-star chef, Tom Kerridge, on January 2, 2015. 

Whisky Birmingham to attract 150 whisky players to its 2015 show

Over 150 whiskies will be on show at Whisky Birmingham on March 7, 2015, England's largest whisky festival outside London.

Caliterra's Rodrigo Zamorano on making wines that change people's perceptions of Chile

Chilean winery Errazuriz, established over 130 years ago, has owned Caliterra since 2004. Helen Arnold talks to its chief winemaker, Rodrigo Zamorano, about his new Edicion Limitada range, and the changing face of Chilean wine.

Minister backs call for lower duty tax band for reduced alcohol wines

The UK's public health minister has expressed "frustration" with a lack of flexibility around introducing a lower tax band for lower end wines, but the WSTA warns such a step would discriminate against wine from warmer climes.

COPY: Harpers new consumer report reveals key wine trends in the UK on-trade

In the second of our exclusive consumer reports, Harpers turns the spotlight on drinking trends in the UK on-trade and finds out what the average Brit thinks of the wine in their glass and what attracts them, or not, to ordering wine when out and out about compared to other drinks

New Zealand's Yealands Wine Group looks to fast-track expansion

New Zealand's Yealands Wine Group is looking at funding options in order to fast-track expansion plans and increase its vineyard holdings.

Q&A: Cherie Spriggs, Nyetimber

Nyetimber is on a roll this year after its Classic Cuvée 2009 won two trophies at this year's International Wine Challenge. Harpers.co.uk caught up with head winemaker Cherie Spriggs to ask what drew her towards the iconic label and where she plans to take it next.

Italian wineries must take advantage of wine tourism, finds report

The small size of most Italian wineries means they are struggling to take advantage of wine tourism and professionalise - both of which are required in order to secure the industry's future, a new report says.

Naked Wines is UK's most popular specialist online wine retailer, says Harpers new report

Naked Wines is the most popular specialist online wine retailer in the UK, according to a new Harpers report published today that examines the online shopping habits of British consumers.

Over 40% of Brits will buy wine online this Christmas, says Harpers new e-commerce report

Wine and spirit industries to unite in combined campaign for 2% duty cut in 2015 Budget

The wine and spirits industry is to unite under a combined campaign and consider calling for a 2% cut in alcohol duty in the 2015 Budget.

London Wine Fair on look out for niche wine importers for its Esoterica fixture for independents

Small, independent or niche wine importers have the chance to book a place in the Esoterica feature at the London Wine Fair that has seen 80% of last year's exhibitors book again for the 2015 show.

Accolade Wines going ahead with Grant Burge purchase

Accolade Wines and Barossa's Grant Burge wines have reached agreement on the acquisition of the Grant Burge brand and business, along with its Krondorf winery.

Pol Roger Portfolio to distribute Kilchoman whiskies

Islay distillery Kilchoman has signed a deal with the family-run Pol Roger Champagne to distribute its range of single malt whiskies.

Memorial service for Ridgeview's Mike Roberts

A memorial service for Mike Roberts, founder of English sparkling winery, Ridgeview,  who died earlier this month, is to be held on December 5.