Halewood Wines & Spirits buys greater stake in Irish whiskey brand

Halewood Wines & Spirits has purchased a significant stake in West Cork Distillers to develop the Irish whiskey portfolio and expand its global reach.

Wine Rack launches McGuigan Wines' answer to Provence rosé

Wine Rack has launched a new Provence-style rosé from Australian duo Neil McGuigan and John Torode.

Top crop and export growth reported from 16th Aussie wine conference

A strong 2016 vintage, a low Aussie dollar and thriving trading partners has the Australian wine industry well placed to increase its share of global markets.

SMWS aims to remedy previous "laissez-faire" approach with push to drive US growth

French wine production expected to drop 8% for 2016 due to poor spring weather

French wine production is expected to decline 8% for the 2016 harvest following the damaging hailstorms and spring frost which hit several different areas across the country according to the French Minister of Agriculture Stéphane Le Foll.

Bodegas Torres reintroduces ancestral red grape uncovered 20 years ago

Catalonian winery Bodegas Torres is reintroducing the red variety Moneu after the vines were destroyed by phylloxera two centuries ago.

Waitrose sales of German Riesling "soar" during 31 Days promotion

Waitrose has seen sales of Germany's most famous grape variety increase by 181% compared to the same period last year.

School holiday boosts trading in June for casual dining and pub chains in the UK

While the lack of summer weather in June might have been a challenge, the school holiday has helped to boost trading figures for casual dining and pub chains according to new figures released by the Coffer Peach Business Tracker.

The Harrow at Little Bedwyn raises nearly £40,000 for charity

Roger Jones and his team from The Harrow at Little Bedwyn raised £36,000 for the NSPCC Wales and nearly £1,400 for drinks charity The Benevolent over the past week.

Casella Family Brands acquires and avoids closure of iconic Morris Wines

Casella Family Brands announced today that they have acquired full ownership of iconic Australian Morris Wines with an immediate effect for an undisclosed sum from Pernod Ricard.

The Week That Was: Top news, Q&As and analysis 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.

Record year for Italian wine expo Bellavita

Bellavita, now one of the leading UK-based events for Italian food and wine producers has reported a record year, with visitor numbers swelling by over 30% from last year to 8,100 visitors through the doors.

Organic UK wine launch marks "new era" for Gonzalez Byass

Gonzalez Byass is launching a new organic wine into the UK.

Biggest beer merger in history given go-ahead

The US Justice Department has given antitrust approval for Anheuser-Busch InBev - the world's largest beer company - to acquire SABMiller - the world's second largest beer company.

Wines of Portugal Wine Quest winner talks Encruzado and Alvarinho

Lukasz Walkowiak, sommelier at Oxo Tower, has been named the Wines of Portugal Wine Quest winner 2016.

Inter-Beaujolais appoints new leaders for two year term

Inter-Beaujolais has appointed two new leaders as part of a two year rotation to lead the producer association.

Oxford Wine Company refurbishes remaining retail outlets amid shifting business model

The Oxford Wine Company has refurbished its two remaining shops, although owner Ted Sandbach says that retail will continue to play a less important role in the future of the business.

Moët & Chandon release wines from "cooler" 2008 vintage

Moët & Chandon has released its Grand Vintage Blanc and Grand Vintage Rosé from the 2008 vintage.

Consumer inflation rise may be part of a larger trend

Consumer inflation rose 0.5% for the 12 months to June 2016, which although only slightly may be a signal of a future trend.

Conviviality boss says Brexit won't impact future growth

The CEO of wholesale giant Convivality has said that the rapidly expanding business is well placed to avoid the sting of the Brexit beehive.