Independents to compete in the Sud de France Retailer of the Year merchants programme

Your chance to vote in Harpers France Wine Awards and take part in France Summit

Harpers is once again looking to reward the very best retailers, restaurants, distributors and individuals that are leading the way in selling and promoting French wine in the UK in our second Harpers France Awards.

Panos Sarantopoulos takes charge of Rémy Cointreau's liqueurs and spirits division

Panos Sarantopoulos has been promoted to chief executive of Rémy Cointreau's liqueurs and spirits division after a successful time headling up Metaxa, the company's Greek spirit business.

Put your football knowledge to the test in the new Benevolent Fantasy Football League

So do you think your football? Your Christmas Tree formation over your 4-4-2? Know what "running between the lines" actually means? Well why not put those skills to the test and take part in the new Benevolent Fantasy Football League - oh and raise some money for the drinks charity along the way.

House of Lords calls for drinks industry's advice on next EU Alcohol Strategy

The drinks industry has been invited by the House of Lords to send in its suggestions for what the next European Union Alcohol Strategy should look like.

Authentic Caribbean Rum Marque expands to 18 members with three new recruits

Three new rums have been granted approval to carry the Authentic Caribbean Rum (ACR) Marque as the initiative widens its portfolio and presence in its key international markets including the UK.

Consumers will drink cheap wine until the trade convinces them to do otherwise, warns Jerry Lockspeiser

The UK wine trade should stop lamenting the fact the average consumer is looking to buy cheaper wine and work harder to convince them to do otherwise, according to leading wine consultant Jerry Lockspeiser.

London Cru forced to name its wines Thunderbirds-style as wines 1, 2 and 3

London Cru, the capital's first urban winery, may have succeeded in shipping grapes from Europe to make wine in the UK, but it has had more difficulty with the bureaucrats in what it can now call them.

Drinkaware links up with British racing to promote responsible drinking at racecourses

Drinkaware has linked up with the Racecourse Association (RCA) to promote responsible drinking at major horse racing events across the country in a bid to address the growing problem of over drinking at some racing venues.

Jim Beam looks to drive bourbon category with new Rye and Maple varieties

Jim Beam is looking to drive the growing American whiskey market in the UK with the launch of two new additions: Jim Beam Rye; and Jim Beam Maple.

Alex Fisher joins board of Bibendum Wine Holdings

Bibendum Wine Holdings, the parent company of national wine and drinks supplier, Bibendum Wine, has stengthened its board  with the appointment of former Bidvest 3663 managing director, Alex Fisher, as a non-executive director.

Glenmorangie offers holidaymakers special golf trips and prizes

Aldi on verge of overtaking Waitrose as sales jump a further 32%

Ethos to offer vegetarian wine list to London diners

A new vegetarian restaurant boasting not only a meat-free menu, but a vegan and vegetarian wine list is to open in London in September.

Vinoteca hand-picked to open its fifth site in new Kings Cross development

Vinoteca, the award winning London restaurant and wine bar chain, is working with property agents at the new Kings Cross retail development to open a tailor made site in February 2015.

Mixologists gather in the UK to battle it out for Diageo's World Class crown

The world's best mixologist will be unveiled this week as 47 of the very best cocktail shakers and makers gather in the UK for the sixth annual Diageo Reserve World Class global final 2014.

New "Tesco tax" to raise money for small businesses could be counter productive warns ACS

Moves by local councils to introduce a so-called "Tesco tax" on major supermarkets to raise money to be re-invested in high street areas could set a dangerous precedent warns the Association of Convenience Stores.

CYT signs Premiership rugby sponsorship deal for Trivento Argentinian wine

Trivento, the Concha y Toro Argentinian wine brand, has signed the first wine sponsorship deal with Premiership Rugby which will see its wines promoted across all grounds and coverage during the 2014-2015 season.

Oxford Wine Company signs deal to be exclusive UK importer of Downton Abbey wines

Ted Sandbach of the Oxford Wine Company has become the exclusive UK importer for a special Downton Abbey range of wines, created by French producer, Les Grands Chais de France.

Vinoteca to offer Riesling by the glass straight from 20-litre kegs

Vinoteca, the London chain of wine bars and restaurants, is introducing what it claims will be the first Riesling to be sold by the keg in the capital.