Salentein hopes to win over independents with new premium Argentinian wine range

Salentein, the Argentinian wine producer, is to release a new premium range of wines to the UK including it icon wine, Gran Vu Blend, which it hopes to gain distribution across the on-trade and independent sectors.

Bolivian wine trade to head to ProWein 2015

Bolivia, newcomer to the wine trade, is making its presence felt internationally by taking a stand at next year's ProWein show in Dusseldorf.

The Harrow's Roger Jones follows Heston Blumenthal by taking his restaurant offer overseas

Heston Blumenthal is not the only British Michelin-starred chef to be taking his restaurant overseas in the new year as Rojer Jones is set to travel to South Africa to embark on a restaurant tour with his award-winning The Harrow at Little Bedwyn.

KWV relaunches UK distribution strategy by switching from Myliko Wines to Bottle Green

KWV, the South African wine giant, is to switch its UK distribution from Myliko Wines to Bottle Green as it looks to reposition itself in the UK with a targeted multiple and independent retail strategy.

Low alcohol wines dogged by lack of awareness and poor quality perceptions

France and the USA are the most attractive markets for lower alcohol wines, although others show great potential, says a new report from Wine Intelligence.

Tesco announces £250m overstatement of profits

Tesco overstated its profits for the first six months up to August 23, 2014 by an estimated £250 million, according to a statement released by the company this morning.

Scotch whisky exports plummet 11% in first half of 2014

Scotch whisky exports have fallen 11% to £1.77 billion in the first half of 2014, compared to the same period last year, with the finger being pointed at "economic headwinds and uncertainty".

RumFest aims to break rum tasting world record

RumFest in London is aiming to break the record for the world's biggest ever rum tasting with over 700 people tasting a selection of six rums on October 9.

English winery Chapel Down smashes crowdfunding records

Kent sparkling winery Chapel Down has smashed crowdfunding records by raising £2.9 million through 1,100 investors in just 10 days.

Independents and suppliers come together for Harpers Best Practice debate

Leading independent wine merchants are suppliers are to come together next month to take part in an open Harpers debate to look further at ways in which they can work closer and more effectively together.

New York merchant named Best Independent in the World in Jancis Robinson competition

wNew York independent wine merchant, Chambers Street Wines, has been named the Best Independent Retailer in the World in a competition run by Jancis Robinson MW.

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.

Wine and spirits industry welcomes "stability" of Scottish "No" vote for independence

Parts of the UK wine and spirits industry have welcomed the "stability" the news this morning that Scotland has rejected independence to remain part of the United Kingdom.

Wines of Beautiful South to return in 2016 as South Africa switches focus to Cape Wine

The combined Chile, Argentina and South Africa Wines of the Beautiful South tasting will not take place next year as South Africa switches its attention to Cape Wine. But Chile and Argentina will continue to work together with a joint South American tasting sometime in London in 2015.

Wine should follow Top Gear's example and look to entertain not educate

The wine industry should look at the massive success of BBC's Top Gear in how to make a potentially complex subject entertaining to the public, according to advertising guru, Sir John Hegarty.

Supermarkets are threatening the future of wine suppliers warns Sir John Hegarty

Britain's biggest supermarkets are in danger of "screwing" wine suppliers so much the market is no longer "sustainable" was the dire warning laid down this week by advertising guru and wine producer, Sir John Hegarty.

Advertising guru, Sir John Hegarty, slams "truly appalling" wine industry

Johnnie Walker Scotch whisky boosts golf ties ahead of Ryder Cup

Johnnie Walker Scotch whisky is boosting its golf ties ahead of next week's Ryder Cup by building a mini golf course at Gleneagles for fans to play.

Northern Ireland's alcohol abuse totals £900m

Alcohol abuse in Northern Ireland costs £900 million per year - a figure that could be reduced by earlier intervention.

After two difficult harvests, Loire Valley is optimistic as 2014 vintage starts

Despite a cool August, September's warm weather could not come at a better time for producers in the Loire Valley, where there is a feeling of optimism and relief as the harvest gets underway.