How California's pursuit of balance is now producing breakthrough wines

The 21^st century has seen a remarkable upsurge in the plantings of Pinot Noir throughout California, from a crush of 53,050 tons in 2000 to 248,469 in 2012. Concentrated on areas such as Sonoma, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Napa, and Mendocino, the upturn in the grape's fortunes has been matched by quality. The Sideways effect is much cited, but more important has been the discovery of sites, often near the coast, suited to this difficult grape variety and a different approach from the traditional Californian style of fruity, jammy Pinot.

Best of British: we celebrate Top Merchants around the country

In part two of our Best of British feature, Harpers takes a look at three more independent wine merchants to keep your eyes on.

ProWein Preview: The Brits are coming!

Downtown Düsseldorf will be the place to be this March as ProWein opens its doors to hordes of international buyers - with the Brits increasingly first in the queue. Here is what you can expect for arguably the largest drinks tradeshow in the world.

Country analysis: Californian wines hit the jackpot in the UK

It seems California wines have struck gold in the UK in recent years, as the value of US wine exports has exponentially grown within the global wine market, despite volumes staying relatively stable, writes Erin Smith

March for the Independents: Harpers exclusive poll finds a growing split between large and small independents

There is a growing split between the scale, performance and growth of the country's independent wine merchants, according to an exclusive poll conducted for Harpers March for the Independents conference and campaign.

The Smith Report: implications for the wine trade as euro tumbles

The euro has been having a rough time of it lately, which has implications for the wine world and may cause things to change over the next couple of months.

Exclusive Google tips: 10 ways wine could can tell a better story online with video

Key trade figures came together last month to discuss with Google how to use online video, in a seminar organised by the School of Wine & Spirits Business in Dijon and supported by Harpers.

UK vs France: the differences in marketing regulation of alcoholic drinks

If we think drinks legislation is inhibitive in the UK we only need look across the Channel to cheer ourselves. We asked Dr Tom Farrell and Dr Beno&icirct Lecat which system is more fit for purpose in the 21st century.

Mitchells & Butlers: what on-trade buyers are looking for from their suppliers

Former Somerfield wine buyer and restaurant consultant Angela Mount asks Henry Boyes, wine procurement manager for Mitchells & Butlers, what suppliers need to do to satisfy the largest on-trade group in the UK.

Crowdfunding: A saviour or white whale for the wine sector?

The Smith Report: The rise of independents retailers

There is some significant hype around the independent sector in the UK at the moment, but is it really warranted?

Supermarkets special report: Why less is more

As the UK's major multiples look to pare back their wine and spirit ranges in order to boost performance and compete with discounters, Gemma McKenna asks what this new direction will mean for the rest of the trade

Independent merchants: the ones to watch

As part of our March for the Independents campaign, here we highlight some of the independent merchants across the country worth keeping an eye on. Gemma McKenna reports

Portugal: Wines offering high quality at good value

Wine may struggle to be as big as Portugal's most famous export but it is quickly earning its place in Europe's premier league of wine.

Why legally protecting your business assets and brands is vital to any growth strategy

Olivia Perrott, of law company, Stevens & Bolton LLP, says it is vital wine and spirits businesses protect their brand names and  IP assets if they are to maximise growth 

March for the Independents campaign to put spotlight on wine merchants

Today Harpers is officially launching its most ambitious project yet to support and promote independent wine merchants. Here's how you can get involved in March for the Independents

Up to 95% of suppliers demand retailers change the way they work with them

Up to 95% of the 200 suppliers who took part in our survey into the behaviour of major UK retailers want them to change. Here Gemma McKenna reveals what suppliers really think of the big multiples

New Zealand looks to break away from Sauvignon Blanc

New Zealand maintains a privileged, premium position in the UK market and is working hard to shake its over-reliance on Sauvignon Blanc by introducing new styles. Anne Krebiehl MW reports

Matthew Gaughan on what the UK can learn from the rise of craft beers in the US

As in the UK, the beer scene in the US has been transformed over the last 20 years. As mainstream lagers have got blander and colder, craft breweries have sprung up around the country to be greeted by an enthusiastic and increasingly knowledgeable set of drinkers.

Christmas Report: Gin is a must-have festive tonic

Once the preserve of the stockbroker set, recent years have seen gin reach a much younger and more fashionable audience. Helen Arnold assesses whether gin can stay on its upward journey