Gallo muscles into premium wine sector

E&J Gallo is aiming to grow its share of the premium end of the wine market with the launch of two new brands, Dark Horse and Apothic Red, despite the fact that the average spend on a bottle of wine in the UK still hovers around the £5 mark.

UK sales of Fairtrade wine jump 15% in 2013

Weak rand helps South Africa's Distell's sales

Southern hemisphere harvests get underway

Cono Sur to take centre stage when the Tour de France comes to the UK in 2014

Chilean winery, Vina Cono Sur, has signed a deal with the Tour de France 2014 to be the solo wine sponsor for the first three stages of the race that are all taking place in the UK.

Bibendum to distribute Provence's Château Léoube

Bibendum is to distribute Provence vineyard Château Léoube, the sister estate of the Daylesford organic farm business in the UK.  

Fairtrade Fortnight kicks off with wine offers

Fairtrade Fortnight runs from today, February 24, until March 9 and is organised by the Fairtrade Foundation, the organisation that helps to publicise and promote the work of producers, retailers and suppliers in producing, sourcing and selling Fairtrade products in the UK.

D&D London's Avenue restaurant gets relaunch

D&D's Avenue restaurant in London's St James's Street has relaunched with a makeover to its décor and menu as it brings in American Michael Blizzard as head chef.

Ruth Yates joins expert online panel for Harpers debate at PLB Manchester tasting

Ruth Yates, the award winning independent wine merchant who runs the Corks Out chain across the north west, is the latest name to join the Harpers panel looking at opportunities for online sales and retailing at next month's PLB independent roadshow tasting in Manchester on March 5.

Vinisud attracts buyers from around the world to highlight its Mediterranean wine and spirits

Over 1,600 exhibitors from across the Mediterranean's world of wine and spirits are set to descend on Montpellier in Southern France next week for this year's Vinisud trade show which hopes to attract buyers from all over the world.

Update: Tributes made from across the trade following the death of Michael Cox

Tributes from across the trade are being made to Michael Cox, the highly respected industry figure and European head of Wine of Chile who died last night after a year long battle with bile duct cancer. 

The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have done a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Michael Cox UK head of Wines of Chile and respected industry figure has died from cancer

Michael Cox, the highly respected wine trade figure, died last night having lost his year long battle with bile duct cancer. He was at home, as was his wish, and was surrounded by his close family.

Copestick Murray shoots for top wine brand spots

Copestick Murray is aiming for its I Heart range to become one of the UK's top 10 wine brands and Mionetto to be the number one Prosecco brand within five years. 

Half year operating profits significantly down at Treasury Wine Estates

Half-year operating profits at Treasury Wine Estates fell by 38% to A$45.8 million, which it blamed on increased marketing and distribution investment and challenging conditions in Asia and Australia.   

Treasury Wine Estates appoints industry outsider as new chief executive

Treasury Wine Estates has appointed industry outsider Michael Clarke, veteran of Kraft Foods and Coca-Cola, as its new managing director and chief executive.

Rioja sales to UK flat in 2013 but remains in top spot

Rioja sales to the UK were flat in 2013, but it remains the region's top performing foreign market accounting for one third of its exports.

Growth of London Cocktail Week leads to sale

London diners opting for more expensive wines, says D&D London

London diners are spending more on wine, according to 34-strong restaurant group D&D London, which saw average bottle spend grow 6.5% in December.

Ex-Accolade Wines marketer to lead beer campaign