Sales up as PLB sets sight on indies and on-trade

Wine importer PLB Group has reported a double-digit rise in sales after increasing its distribution and selling a greater range of products to existing customers.

New Zealand gets itself back on track

After a harvest shortfall in 2012, New Zealand may be struggling to cater for consumer demand, but winemakers are remaning positive and taking a long-term view, as Anne Krebiehl discovers

California looks to the middle ground

Californian wine excels in the entry-level and premium sectors, but it's the mid-tier where it needs to gain ground, as Laura Heywood finds out

Bibendum adds "iconic" Penfolds label to portfolio

Bibendum Wines has been appointed distributor for Treasury Wine Estate's Penfolds label.

Berry Bros to supply Jamie Oliver's Union Jacks

London-based independent wine merchant Berry Bros & Rudd has announced it is to supply wine to Jamie Oliver's new restaurant concept, Union Jacks in Holborn, Covent Garden, Chiswick and Winchester.

Lebanese wine exports reach new high

Exports of Lebanese wine to the UK leapt by 33% to $4.3 million (£2.7 million) last year according to new figures released by Lebanese Customs.

Retailers raise a glass to Comic Relief

From today online retailers, supermarkets and off - licences will donate a proportion of their sales to help disadvantaged people in the UK and Africa as part of Wine Relief 2013.

Australian Vintage to build on its branded wine offer in UK

Australian Vintage is teaming up with MasterChef's John Torode as it looks to strengthen its position in the UK branded wine market, both through its core McGuigan portfolio and new product launches.

Price gap between own-label and branded wines to narrow

Soaring supply prices could be good news for branded wines as the price gap is set to reduce between own labels and big brands, according to Rabobank.

Northern Restaurant & Bar Top 50 - call for entries

The Northern Restaurant & Bar show is calling for entries for its second annual NRB Top 50 awards, which recognises and honours 50 individuals from influential hospitality operators based in the north of England.

MPs oppose minimum pricing plans

Conservative MPs have blasted minimum alcohol pricing proposals in the same week the WSTA launched a campaign to stymie the government's plans.

PLB strengthens on trade and independent division

PLB has made five appointments to its specialist division focused on the UK on-trade and independent sectors.

Michael Symington: a tribute

Michael Symington, the senior member of the Symington Port family died earlier this week. Here his son Paul, chairman of Symington Family Estates, gives his personal tribute.

Calling independents: take part in our survey

Take part in Harpers' Indies Uncovered survey and you could be in with a chance of winning a magnum of Lanson Black Label.

Real Wine Fair moves to March

The 2013 Real Wine Fair has moved to March to avoid another May clash with rival natural wine fair RAW. The two day event features 120 natural, organic and biodynamic growers and winemakers.

Claude Bosi opens second London pub

French chef Claude Bosi and brother Cedric have brought forward the launch date of their second pub in south west London, the Malt House in Fulham, which is now open after a major refurbishment.

Neil McGuigan and John Torode launch wine and food-matching service

McGuigan Wines winemaker Neil McGuigan has launched a wine and food-matching service with celebrity chef John Torode, called "The Neil McGuigan and John Torode Recipe Collection".

Nomacorc celebrates 100 millionth Select Series sale

Synthetic wine closure producer Nomacorc has announced the production and shipment of its 100 millionth Select Series closure after introducing it to the market in 2011.

Les Vignobles Foncalieu enjoys Le Versant sales boost

ExCellar enters administration

ExCellar, the independent wine merchant owned by Simon Baile, the former managing director of Oddbins, has been placed into administration.