Pablo Alvarez, Vega Sicilia, on the global opportunity for Ribera del Duero wines

Vega Sicilia was established in 1859, although its modern history began with the property's purchase by the Alvarez family in 1982, who acquired the estate as joint shareholders. Patriarch David Alvarez subsequently appointed his son Pablo as managing director of the property. Since the mid-1980s, Pablo Alvarez has ensured that Vega Sicilia remains Ribera Del Duero's most renowned and prestigious wine, for sale in over 25 markets. With Alvarez's careful direction, the property has managed to overcome both the Spanish economic crisis and endure a family feud over the future of the estate, in addition to investing in the regions of Rioja and Toro. James Lawrence reports:

Chester Osborn on his new d'Arenburg Amazing Site wines

Chester Osborn of d'Arenburg winery in McLaren Vale, on why he's decided to vinify and release winers from some of his top plots separately.

Francoise Peretti of the UK's Champagne Bureau on the region's 2014 harvest

Peretti tells Harpers.co.uk this year's Champagne harvest is "textbook" so far, with high quality grapes that could lead to a vintage year.

Global wine harvest predictions released by Ciatti

The overall European wine harvest for 2014 looks like being down on last year, according to the latest report from Ciatti, the global grape broking business, but France is set to return to its position as the biggest wine supplier in the world.

South American online focus: what are wine consumers looking for online?

Spain Country Report 2014

Spanish wines are becoming increasingly popular across all channels of the trade and at all price points. Make sure you keep up to date with the latest trends, regions, varieties, including what key buyers across the UK wine trade think will happen to the Spanish wine category in the next year by reading this special Harpers Country report. 

Bruce Jack on the challenges and opportunities for South African wine

Bruce Jack is a key figure in the Accolade Wines South African winemaking team. His direct responsibilities cover the Kumala, Fishoek and Flagstone ranges, Tesco Finest, The Rustler, Stumble Vineyards, Breakers Point and Lost Ostrich, as well as strategic NPD. He talks to Gemma McKenna about how he is working with the Kumala winemaking team to help reposition the Kumala brand and ensure the quality of the wine shines through to customers.

Jacob Ehrenkrona on giving up financial career to create Martin Miller's Gin

Harpers.co.uk talked with Jacob Ehrenkrona, the chief executive of Martin Miller's gin, about why he gave up a career in venture capitalism to pursue the classic spirit.

France study tour: Les Grands Chais de France

French wine is the lifeblood of a good independent business. But as the five top merchants who joined Harpers on a recent tour with Les Grands Chais de France discovered, there is still much to learn, even for the most experienced retailer. Richard Siddle reports

How Berlin Tastings Series put Chilean wine on the map

Eduardo Chadwick's pioneering Berlin Series Tastings have helped change global perception of Chilean wine in their 10-year run. Andrew Catchpole, who was at the seminal first event, assesses their impact

How Oddbins has defied its critics to bounce back to winning ways

In three years Oddbins has risen from death's door to win IWC High Street Retailer of the Year. Gemma McKenna meets Ayo Akintola, its Renaissance Man

Distell's Richard Rushton earns his stripes

In his first major UK interview, Distell's Richard Rushton reveals his big plans for the company's wine division, as Erin Smith reports

Majestic's leading wine buyers set out their strategy and needs from suppliers

In the second of her series of 'Buyer to Buyer' interviews, former Somerfield head wine buyer, Angela Mount, talks to Matt Pym and Chris Hardy of Majestic Wines about their buying strategy and what they are looking for from their suppliers.

How Chile can use its mainstream appeal to grow share of premium wines

Gemma McKenna reports on why Chilean winemakers are shifting focus to a more premium offering

Argentina bucks economic difficulties to compete on international stage

Despite the domestic economic challenges Argentinian producers are facing, UK consumers still can't get enough of their wines. Ahead of the Wines of the Beautiful South tasting Erin Smith analyses the category

Georg Riedel on Riedel's new Veritas range and working with Coca-Cola

Founded in 1756 by Johann Cristoph Riedel, the Riedel name is today synonymous with high-quality glassware; loved by the trade and consumers alike. With an impressive track-record of product innovation and savvy marketing, Riedel's market breakthrough arguably came in 1979, when the firm opened a subsidiary in the US. Having collaborated with such iconic winemakers as Robert Mondavi, Angelo Gaja, and more recently soft drinks manufacturer Coca-Cola, Riedel is clearly not an old-world wine snob. The brand is coming to London's Vinopolis this month, to showcase the new Veritas glassware range. James Lawrence asks Georg Riedel what we can expect:

Caroline Gilby MW explores Central and Eastern European wines

Caroline Gilby MW analyses why the wines and key growing regions of  Central and Eastern Europe are finally taking  their place on the world wine stage.

Own-label wine is not just for major multiples any longer

Own-label and private-label wines are no longer the preserve of the major multiples, but what is the attraction for independent merchants and restaurants alike?

Bulgaria's Yakata group strives to change the country's wine image

Bulgaria is looking to promote itself as a very different kind of wine-producing country than it was 30 years ago and it seems to be attracting the right level of investment and interest to potentially change its image in the UK wine trade.

Cape Legends is pushing the premium wine boundaries in South Africa

South Africa's wine industry is changing and the premium wine segment is no exception. Harpers.co.uk talks to the leaders who are pushing the boundaries of Distell's premium wine portfolio, Cape Legends.