Supermarkets set to cull wine suppliers, warns Accolade's Paul Schaafsma

The UK wine trade must brace itself for what could be large scale "supplier rationalisation" across the major multiples over the next 18 months, according to Paul Schaafsma, UK and Ireland head of Accolade Wines UK.

South Africa's Bruce Jack warns winemakers not to jump on "bandwagons"

One of the greatest challenges for a branded winemaker is not to jump on the latest "bandwagon" but remain true to your beliefs and make wines that are right for your company, according to Bruce Jack, leading winemaker at Accolade Wines.

South Africa replaces Spain to become fifth best selling country in UK, says Accolade

South Africa is enjoying widespread success in the UK, is bringing new consumers to wine, has seen an increase in both value and volume sales and has replaced Spain as the UK's fifth biggest wine selling country, according to figures released today by Accolade Wines UK.

Dedicated Wines and Murphy Wine to share business insights at France Summit

Richard Evans of Dedicated Wines, the UK wine agency that helped devise the Les Dauphins wine brand, and Daniel Murphy of bulk wine brokers, Murphy Wine Company, will both share their experiences of French wine at this October's Harpers France Summit.

Live news blog: The Beautiful South Tasting Day One

As the Wines of the Beautiful South tasting takes place in London's Olympia Harpers catches up with leading wine figures at the event with their thoughts on the UK market for Chilean, Argentinian and South African wines. 

Cornish winery Knightor introduces German-inspired low-alcohol wine

Cornish winery, Knightor, is releasing a new lower alcohol wine to its portfolio which is inspired by Italy's Moscato D'Asti or Germany's Kabinett and Spätlese styles in the Mosel.

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Distell plans to triple value share of UK's premium South African wine category

Distell Vineyards and Estates (DVE), the premium wine division of South Africa's largest wine producer Distell, has pledged to over triple its value share of the South African premium wine sector in the UK in the next three years.

Ex-Ehrmanns directors form new wine distribution company

Three high profile UK wine professionals, including two former Ehrmanns directors, have launched their own distribution company in partnership with three wineries, including De Bortoli wines, which is closing its UK office as a result.

Ribera del Duero wine region ramps up UK activity

Spain's Ribera del Duero wine region is looking to raise its profile in the UK with the launch of its first promotional campaign in this country.

Wines of Chile plans major new consumer event

Wines of Chile is planning a major new consumer event for 2015 to raise awareness about the South American country as a whole, says new UK director Anita Jackson.

Six new Masters of Wine announced

Applications to the Masters of Wine programme have shot up 26% for the next intake, as the six latest MWs to pass the gruelling exams are announced.

Planetbee wine brand launches cider

Bee-friendly wine brand Planetbee has extended its reach into another drinks category, with the launch of its own cider.

Napa Valley wineries move focus from earthquake to harvest

California's Napa Valley wineries, a number of whom suffered significant damage in the recent 6.1 earthquake, have already harvested most of their Sauvignon Blanc grapes.

Chapel Down turns to crowdfunding to drive English wine growth plans

Leading English winery, Chapel Down,  is continuing to drive its growth by looking for private investors to support it through a crowdfunding scheme.

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, financial news for the drinks trade, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Top Majestic buyers demand better service from suppliers

Leading Majestic wine buyers have defended the chain from taking share from independent merchants and demanded better service from major wine suppliers with "laughable" demands.

Global leaders head to London for Wine Vision 2014

Vinexpo strengthens management team ahead of 2015 Bordeaux show

Vinexpo has strengthened its management team ahead of next year's exhibition in Bordeaux with two new directors joining the team.

Lourensford Estate on look out for new UK partner after it leaves Hatch Mansfield