UK the fourth most expensive EU country to buy alcohol and tobacco in

The UK has been pinpointed as the fourth most costly country in the EU when it comes to buying alcohol and tobacco.

Off-Piste signs exclusive distribution deal for Hilltop Wines

Off-Piste has signed a UK distribution deal for Hungarian producer Hilltop Wines.

WSET reveals Outstanding Alumni Award nominees

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has revealed the nominees for its outstanding Alumni Award.

Viña Pomal unveils classic Rioja with a modern twist

Viña Pomal has unveiled a new wine positioned as a classic Rioja with a modern style.

CWI announces ‘dream’ harvest

The Californian Wine Institute (CWI) has announced the 2018 harvest had ‘played out like a dream’ for winegrowers in regions across the state.

Missed opportunity: What a rise with inflation means for the UK wine trade

Pub landlords and spirits importers will be breathing a sigh of relief this morning, but not the nation’s wine trade – which is looking at an extra £90 million bill in duty next year.

Edrington-Beam Suntory appoints Temperley GM for London

Edrington-Beam Suntory has appointed former head of Diageo Reserve Nick Temperley as its new general manager for London.

Flint bolsters Burgundy portfolio with four young domaines

Flint Wines has grown its Burgundy portfolio with four producers.

Duty frozen for spirits, cider and beer, but wine will rise with inflation

Investing in Britain’s future was one of the anthems that ran through Philip Hammond’s autumn Budget speech this afternoon.

Vins de Provence projects higher harvest volumes than anticipated

Vins de Provence has reported higher than anticipated volumes for this year’s harvest.

Diageo promotes Richard Larkin to head of Reserve

Diageo has promoted Richard Larkin to head of its Reserve GB arm.

InterBeaujolais aims to attract young winegrowers with funding project

InterBeaujolais has revealed it is working on a new project aimed at attracting young and new winegrowers to the region.

UK hospitality sector continues to grow despite Brexit concerns

The UK hospitality sector has turned over in excess of £100bn for the first time and now employs 2.35 million people.

The week that was

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, here’s a review of the top online news, analysis, opinions and features.

Former Armit Wines' marketing head joins Gusbourne in new role

Kent winery Gusbourne has appointed Jonathan White as head of marketing.

William Grant & Sons offers bartender training

William Grant & Sons’ UK Brand Ambassador team is offering training to bartenders at its first ever Unwrapped: The Other Side of Bartending event in Edinburgh on 29 October.

Proof Drinks appoints former Hi-Spirits chairman as MD

Drinks brand owner and distributor Proof Drinks is gearing up for the next phase of its growth as the company confirms the appointment of Jeremy Hill as managing director.

Artadi joins Pol Roger

Pol Roger Portfolio has announced it will be distributing the wines of Spanish producer Bodegas Artadi, bringing the full range to the UK from November 1.

Pied à Terre leads petition for business rates to be abolished

Philip Hammond is being urged to abolish ‘debilitating’ business by some of the UK’s leading restaurateurs.

Low disease pressure and minimal intervention casts warm glow over UK wine industry