Indian summer and 2015 reserves help to bolster troubled Loire harvest

One of the world's preeminent winemaking regions has bounced back following a troubling year, with ideal weather conditions at the close of the season helping grapes to reach "peak levels" of ripeness.

Memorial service to be held for friends and colleagues of beloved trade member, Ben Campbell-Johnston

White wines of the Douro: Emerging from fortified's shadow

Famous for its Port fortified wines, far less is understood about the Douro's long history of white winemaking.

How wine is adapting to suit a new generation

With technology opening up new possibilities, the trade is finding new ways of not only engaging with younger consumers but making them part of their business models too.

Popular b.f.t. organiser Ben Campbell-Johnston passes away

Respected and much-liked stalwart of the trade, Ben Campbell-Johnston, will be missed by the trade

Sam Harrop MW to step down as IWC chair after 11 years on judging panel

The International Wine Challenge (IWC) has announced a shuffle of its judging panel ahead of its November tastings.

Provence Part 2: Oaked, whites and reds coming to the fore

In Part 1 of our Provence two-parter, we looked at how Provence is evolving its 'pink summer quaffing' reputation.

Provence Part 1: Beyond summer rosé

It used to be that when you opened that bottle of Cotes de Provence rosé that you bought back from the south of France, the phrase "Caveat Emptor" would run through your head.

Work to build £9m UK sake brewery gets underway

Building is now underway at what is believed to be the UK's first sake brewery having appointed a local contractor to carry out construction work.

Alsace sales up in the UK following three successive years of low yields

Sales of Alsace wines to the UK have jumped according to the latest figures released by the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins d'Alsace (CIVA) - an encouraging sign for the region which has suffered a string of small harvests in recent years.

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.

On-trade update: Premium driving growth

The figures all indicate that the total on-trade Great Britain wine market is continuing to shrink, albeit at a slower pace. The total GB on-trade is made up of over 124,000 outlets, with volume sales down 2.5% and value sales down 0.5%.

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.

Promising Rioja proposals could draw a line between industrial and artisanal production, say producers

Two leading Rioja producers based in Alava have welcomed fresh details of plans tabled by the breakaway Vineyards of Alava appellation proposal including a move to distinguish itself by discarding Rioja's ageing categories of Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva.

Wines and spirits continue to drive growth for LVMH amid luxury market slowdown

The wine and spirits division represented the second highest growth area for LVMH in its sales so far this year, with organic growth up 7%.

Champagne harvest "isn't all doom and gloom", says Bollinger

Champagne has had its fair share of challenges so far this year, with a slew of bad weather meaning that crop loss is as severe in some parts - as is the case in he Aube - according to Champagne Taittinger.

New British Champagne house claims to offer Champagne for the digital age

A British-based holding company is claiming to be the first major prospective champagne house to open since Nicholas Feuillatte in 1972.

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.

National Champagne Week a welcome boost for struggling category

The UK has been popping bubbly this week for National Champagne Week - a much needed boost for the category which has seen a slow down in growth over the past year.

Guy Woodward: Seven things I hate about the wine trade