The future of fortified

Fortified wines may have been gaining traction in the UK, according to sommeliers and the on-trade, and they certainly fit well into the premium message, but export volume and value numbers have been mixed.

What's in store for wine sales this Christmas?

Having worked in wine retail at the sharp end, I well remember the run up to Christmas Eve - and in some detail.

Spain Supplement: Stirring up a great debate

Q&A: Ken Forrester, owner, Forrester Wines

The man known as Mr Chenin tells Harpers how he views the South African wine market's evolution over the past 20 years - and what his plans are now after selling a significant stake in his business to French group AdVini.

Analysis: What next for 'Brand Britain'?

Along with the monarchy, Aston Martin, the British sense of humour - and some would say, Downton Abbey - our drinks industry has helped to put Britain on the map and strengthen its image around the world.

The Douro Boys driving whites and reds to new heights

This year the celebrated Douro producer Quinta do Vallado commemorates its 300th anniversary.

France bouncing back from New World competition

As wine consumers have got more savvy, better informed and far more international in their choices - aided by a UK marketplace with arms open to wines from across the globe - France has seen its reputation and fortunes change.

Q&A: ?Ewan Murray, The Wine Society

PR manager Ewan Murray has been with The Wine Society for over a decade. We spoke to him about what makes this cooperative retailer so different

Building a brand

At a Harpers' round table event in June 2016, Morrisons' wine buyer Andrew Ingham challenged suppliers to work more collaboratively with buyers on new product development.

WSTA speaks out on how to tackle Brexit

In a stark contrast to last year's theme of celebrating success, last month's WSTA conference unsurprisingly took on a somewhat different tone.

Andrew Catchpole: Talking about a innovation revolution

Disruption is the new norm - and the experiential its freewheeling partner - as the fast-paced evolution of communications and other technologies continues to reshape how we interact with the world.

LCW: Prepare to be dazzled

As London Cocktail Week takes the city by storm, we took a look at what spirit brands are doing to capitalise on this year's hottest trends in the on-trade.

Guy Woodward: Seven things I hate about the wine trade

Q&A: Fraser McIlwraith, G1 Group

As the head of business development at Scotland's largest hospitality group, Fraser McIlwraith has the intimidating task of juggling increasingly strict government legislation with the needs of big business. We caught up with him to find out how he keeps G1 Group well stocked.

WSTA Part 2: How technology and innovation may shape the future

Besides helping brands reach a boarder base of consumers and create a dialogue with them, social media is also helping to drive what many on the panel at September's WSTA conference see as the way forward for brands - collaboration.

WSTA Part 1: How technology and innovation may shape the future

Innovation and technology, as we all know, has drastically changed business, primarily changing the ways we connect with our consumers and understand their needs. The pressure has never been higher on business leaders to innovate continuously and to do so quickly.

Q&A: Armelle Cruse, the vice president of Crus Bourgeois du Medoc

At a tasting of the 2014 Official Selection of Crus Bourgeois du Medoc, Justin Keay spoke with Armelle Cruse, the vice president of Crus Bourgeois du Medoc about the organisation's ambitious new classification plans.

Insights: White wine renaissance

Sales of premium whites are on the up, but restaurants still see red when it comes to higher-end sales.

Justin Keay: Pico's Revival

Until the 1990s Pico's wine heritage was little more than history. Few were prepared to take on the big financial and logistical challenges that come with making wine in this extraordinary volcanic terrain. Little wonder - this is like no other wine region I have ever visited, unsurprisingly denominated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 2004.

Opinion: Five things to consider about the Hong Kong market

There is no doubt that Hong Kong is one of the most exciting wine hub in Asia and a gateway for merchants that want to get into the Chinese market.