Consumer spending on the rise but discounters still winning, says Barclaycard

There are signs that UK consumers are also enjoying the benefits of an economic recovery with the latest spending figures showing a near 4% year-on-year increase in April thanks largely to the later Easter holidays and warmest April weather for three years. The on-trade enjoyed a very strong month with spending in restaurants up 16.8% year-on-year.

Katherine Canfield on why Californian winemakers are ditching "big and bold" for more restrained European style wines

Esporao's pioneering winemaker, David Baverstock, on the exciting future of Portugal's Alentejo wines

Latest reports suggest Portugal's economy can at last look forward to recovery. Yet if the country's fortunes had mirrored those of the Alentejo's wine industry, it would be enjoying the benefits of growth already, writes Justin Keay.

Final 12 sommeliers chosen to battle it out for Moët UK Sommelier of the Year 2014

The 12 semi-finalists of the Moët UK Sommelier of the Year 2014, organised by the Academy of Food & Wine Service, have been announced who will now battle it out to go through to the grand final.

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Michael Jordaan to be new chairman of Wines of South Africa

Wines of South Africa has appointed Michael Jordaan, former chief executive of the country's First National Bank, as its new chairman.

Harpers London Wine Fair debate: how consumers can power growth in your business

How major brands and retailers are succeeding in making their customers their biggest business assets through peer to peer recommendations, social media, online clubs and communities will be the focus of the Harpers Debate at this year's London Wine Fair.

Uproot Wines looks to attract new US wine drinkers through colour only wine labels

US consumers no longer need reading glasses or language dictionaries to decipher wine labels; but they do need a taste for colour.

Sake: hot or cold? Anna Greenhous on when it's right to heat things up

Whether sake should be drunk warm or cold is the subject of much debate. People unfamiliar with sake have often only experienced it warm, and so believe this is the way it should be served. Some sake fans claim good quality sake should always be served cold and that bad sake is warmed to hide its faults. However, it isn't that simple.

Peter Ainsworth enjoys the delights of Les Grand Jours de Bourgogne

Peter Ainsworth of Delamere Wines looks back on a week of tasting the finest Burgundies as part of the Les Grand Jour de Bourgogne.

Douglas Blyde joins a sommelier tour of Hungary

A gentle breeze sifts scrub as an old orange Russian-made truck wobbles by, threatening to spill its cargo of freshly-hewn boulders. Far away on the periphery of the crater that is this open mine stands a supervisor, surveying István Szepsy Jr. and our troupe of transplanted sommeliers.

Hallgarten Druitt to become a more insights and sales driven business

Hallgarten Druitt's decision to outsource its warehousing and bonding to LCB will allow it to concentrate on providing a far more insights driven business for its customers, according to managing director Andrew Bewes.

Putting consumer research and understanding at the heart of all our business strategies

The importance of truly understanding how well your business understands the needs and behaviour of consumers is a topic I have turned to on a number of occasions. I make no apology for doing so again.

Riesling producers from around the world head to London for Great Riesling Tasting

Over 50 Riesling producers from around the world will be in London for the Great Riesling Tasting next month which takes place on May 12.

Michel Rolland on life as an international wine consultant

Internationally acclaimed winemaker and consultant, Michel Rolland, talks to James Lawrence how he manages to juggle working for 200 wineries around the world, including Chateau Figeac in St Emilion, which he is trying to turn in to a Grand Cru Classe A property.

Michel Rolland defends his ability to manage wines on up to 200 wineries around the world

Michel Rolland has defended his role as an international wine consultant capable of managing the quality of wine on up to 200 wine estates around the world.

Farr Vintners to double fund raising efforts of Benevolent's Chris Porter

Farr Vintners has announced it will match whatever sum of money is raised by Benevolent  chairman, Chris Porter, as he embarks on his 'Around the Grounds in 14 Days' challenge to visit all  the 91 football league  grounds between May 12 and May 25.

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McWilliam's revamps entire wine range to stand out in "staid" Australian category