Chief of the Week: Skin Côntact's Richard Hemming

Drum roll please for our Chief of the Week who is the man behind the wine industry's very own rock band, Skin Côntact, that has been brought together to not only bring some much needed entertainment for the drinks trade but to help raise money for Comic Relief.

Top British importers and merchants unite to call for better prices from Bordeaux

Some of the biggest wine importers, distributors, brokers and retailers in the country, including Majestic, Berry Bros & Rudd and Farr Vintners, have written to Bordeaux producers to demand changes in pricing of wines being offered to the UK.

Former ITN and CNN correspondents in Wine Enthusiast's top 5

David Smith, the former ITN news correspondent turned winemaker, has received a massive vote of confidence for his Argentinian wine, SonVida, that only had its first vintage in 2007, by being named number four in the prestigious Wine Enthusiast Top100 wines of the year.

The Thinking Drinkers look to celebrate "legends of liquor" in new Soho show

The world of drinks has been blessed with some maverick and memorable figures over the years all of which will be celebrated as part of a new show by the Thinking Drinkers, otherwise known as drinks writers Tom Sandham and Ben McFarland.

Enter Story Headline

Vinexpo 2015 set for radical revamp after producers felt 'cut off'

Exhibitors and visitors to this summer's Vinexpo in Bordeaux can expect to be "wowed" by a completely different type of trade show, which is looking to be more welcoming to producers from outside its Bordeaux heartland. 

Diageo's World Class Bartender of the Year search begins with bartender semi-finals

Fifty of the UK's top bartenders have been selected to take part in the semi-finals of Diageo's competition to find the best bar talent as part of its Reserve World Class 2015 competition.

Rioja's José Madrazo Real de Asúa has died

One of Rioja's pioneers, José Madrazo Real de Asúa, of the Spanish winery CVNE, has died.

Labour's alcohol policies to boost Britain's health attacked by trade bodies

Labour party plans to introduce a ban on alcohol sponsorship of sporting events, combined with a series of measures to boost Britain's health have been attacked by the drinks industry's major trade associations.

Nielsen confirms sparkling wine and major spirits categories as big Christmas winners

Nielsen has confirmed that sparkling wine and the main spirits categories were the big winners during Christmas 2014.

WSTA's Miles Beale urges all in UK drinks industry to help secure 2% cut in alcohol duty

Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association, spells out today on Harpers.co.uk why it is so important everyone in the UK drinks industry plays their part in trying to secure a 2% drop in alcohol duty in the Budget in March.

Miles Beale: how you can help secure a 2% cut in alcohol duty

Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association, sets out the steps everyone involved in the UK drinks industry can play their part in convincing the Chancellor to a 2% drop in alcohol duty in the forthcoming Budget

Daffy's Gin hopes to win over bars and spirit lovers with its unique mix of botanicals

Daffy's Gin is the latest new launch in to an already bursting category, but claims it uses a unique set of botanicals, including Lebanese mint, to make its own mark.

Tattooed bartenders are stars of new Giffard liqueurs and spirits campaign

Eleven tattooed  bartenders have been chosen to take part in a new campaign to help raise awareness of the Giffard range of liqueurs and spirits.

Carluccio's takes on Neil Wickers as new chief executive for national Italian restaurant group

Neil Wickers is to take over as chief executive of Carluccios's the 105-strong Italian restaurant group with sites across the UK.

Harpers Awards 2015 are open for entry!

 The entry process for the Harpers Awards 2015 is well and truly underway with the opportunity for businesses and individuals from across the UK on and off-trades to receive recognition for their hard work and achievements.

Richard Siddle: all eyes on Tesco to take lead in retailer supplier relations

When over 200 businesses are moved to fill in an in-depth, 20 question survey online in the week before Christmas you know you have hit a nerve.

GM Drinks shows how cash and carry sector can be key to future sales

GM Drinks has been in business for three years and is already distributing a million bottles a year. Richard Siddle talks to founder Marc Patch about succeeding in the cash-and-carry sector

Comité Champagne under attack for its "vindictive" legal dispute against Champagne Jayne

Guy Woodward, Harpers columnist and former Decanter editor, has attacked  the Comité Champagne today for its on-going legal battle against freelance broadcaster and educator, Jayne Powell, over the use of her "Champagne Jayne" monicker.

Corney & Barrow signs exclusive UK distribution deal for all Labruyère Family's wines

Corney & Barrow has extended its French wine offer with the news it is to represent the full Labruyère Family portfolio, which includes Domaine Jacques Prieur, Domaine Labruyère Moulin-à-Vent, exclusively in the UK.