Stuart Broad signs up as Hardys ambassador...just don't mention the World Cup

With all the excitement of last week's March for the Independents events we missed out on news that England fast bowler has been signed up by Australian wine brand, Hardys, to be one of its ambassadors as part of its ongoing sponsorship of English cricket.

Invivo looks to raise close to £1m in first New Zealand wine crowdfunding venture

Invivo claims it will be the first New Zealand winery to launch an equity crowdfunding offer as it hopes to raise a maximum $2million NZD (just under £1 million) with the help of shareholders, including UK chat show host, Graham Norton, to spearhead its future growth.

Villa Maria launches lighter alcohol wine range

New Zealand winery Villa Maria is set to launch a lower abv wine range into the UK off-trade.

Oddbins opens first standalone beer shop

Portuguese wine exports up 10% in UK says ViniPortugal

Portuguese wine exports to the UK rose 10% by volume in 2014, according to the latest figures from ViniPortugal. Values were also up 23%, it said.

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

Pernod Ricard's Denis O'Flynn urges senior industry figures to sign up and back WSTA

More senior businesses and figures in the UK wine and spirits industry need to get behind the work of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association to try and protects its future growth, according to Denis O'Flynn, managing director of Pernod Ricard UK, and the trade body's new chairman.

Lords committee calls for reform of EU tax laws

A House of Lords committee has called on the EU to reform the structure of alcohol tax so that variable taxes on wine and cider according to alcoholic strength can be introduced.

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.

Denis O'Flynn, Pernod Ricard UK, why we need to get behind the WSTA

Denis O'Flynn, managing director of Pernod Ricard UK, talks about his plans as the new chairman of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association.

Loire wine exports to the UK sees further growth

Shifting retail landscape likely to benefit independents, Wilson says

Shifts expected in the off-trade over the next 12 months are likely to create a "huge opportunity" for independent merchants, according to Tim Wilson of the Wilson Drinks Report.

Independents join forces and debate key issues at Harpers business conference

Independent wine merchants gathered in London yesterday at a conference organised by Harpers Wine & Spirit which put the spotlight firmly on the big issues facing the sector.

Distell new range targets on-trade

South African wine company Distell has launched its limited edition Nederburg Heritage Heroes range into the UK as it pushes its on-trade business.

Anivin announces its ambassador wines for 2015

Anivin de France, the organisation responsible for promoting Vin de France Wines, has announced 112 'ambassador' wines for 2015.

Oz Clarke's new book tells the history of wine in 100 bottles

TV's favourite wine critic, Oz Clarke, has released a new book which sets out what it is all about in the title: The History of Wine in 100 Bottles.

French vineyard attracts Seedrs highest number of crowdfunding investors

A French vineyard that launched a crowdfunding campaign has already attracted the record number of investors.