Acquisitions and partnerships: Alhambra, Calabria Wines and AdVini

A leading Spanish brewery, a French wine company and New South Wales winemakers have announced new partnerships and takeovers this week in the hope of extending their reach to key international markets.

Distell breaks contracts as it moves to direct distribution

South African alcohol producer Distell has unveiled plans to bring the distribution of all its brands in-house so that it can directly manage the sales and marketing of its UK portfolio.

Coravin becomes corporate patron of the WSET

Wine preservation company Coravin has been inducted into the WSET's Corporate Patrons programme.

UK exports on the rise in H1 and H2 2016

Emphasis has been put on importers over the past week or so, as experts warn that the 'cushioning' of forward foreign currency buying ahead of the Brexit vote is about to run out.

Antipodean wineries lead sustainable energy production with major solar farm installations

Yealands Wine Group has added 918 photovoltaic (PV) panels to its winery roof, making it the largest solar panel system in New Zealand.

Wine from the EU could cost Brits an extra 29p per bottle

The cost of an average bottle of wine in the UK could go up by 29p as a result of Brexit, the WSTA has warned.

The future of fortified

Fortified wines may have been gaining traction in the UK, according to sommeliers and the on-trade, and they certainly fit well into the premium message, but export volume and value numbers have been mixed.

Rioja 10 x 10: 100 of Rioja's Top Wines 2016

South America | High hopes and challenges

We've criss-crossed the continent to cover four countries this year, and while some are ongoing, others are distinctly new.

The changing face of Manchester's wine scene

As in any city, Manchester's independent wine merchants are particularly sensitive to the changes and fluctuations of the world around them, which can sometimes be a blessing as well as a curse.

Diageo looking for host of new travel show

Diageo Reserve is launching a new global travel show, which will follow a lucky drinks enthusiast on a journey to find the "best drinks in the world".

What's in store for wine sales this Christmas?

Having worked in wine retail at the sharp end, I well remember the run up to Christmas Eve - and in some detail.

Spain Supplement: Stirring up a great debate

Q&A: Ken Forrester, owner, Forrester Wines

The man known as Mr Chenin tells Harpers how he views the South African wine market's evolution over the past 20 years - and what his plans are now after selling a significant stake in his business to French group AdVini.

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 put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Analysis: What next for 'Brand Britain'?

Along with the monarchy, Aston Martin, the British sense of humour - and some would say, Downton Abbey - our drinks industry has helped to put Britain on the map and strengthen its image around the world.

Beaujolais UK exports jump for second year in a row

Beaujolais exports to the UK have enjoyed a second year of encouraging growth, with volume up 18% and value up 20.9% between July 2015 and July 2016.

Reserves to be used to supplement reduced Chablis vintage

Reserves from vintage 2015 will be used to supplement reduced yields from this year's harvest in Chablis following disastrous weather in April this year.

English vineyards report exceptional vintage for 2016

Wine producers across England are reporting an exceptional vintage as harvesting gets under way.

The Douro Boys driving whites and reds to new heights

This year the celebrated Douro producer Quinta do Vallado commemorates its 300th anniversary.