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. 

Scottish independence: drinks trade on tenterhooks as voters go to polls

The wine and spirits trade is on tenterhooks as the people of Scotland go to the polls over independence.

Team Cox complete Médoc Marathon and raise £16k for drinks charities

Ex-Oddbins boss, Simon Baile, says standalone wine retailing not sustainable

Former Oddbins-supremo Simon Baile says there's no future in the world of standalone wine retailing, and has changed his model to include food and entertainment.

Independent merchants have key role to play in lobbying MPs for duty changes, says WSTA

Independent wine merchants have a key role to play in persuading local MPs to listen to the wine and spirits industry's calls for an effective cut in alcohol duty levels at the 2015 Budget.

A "united" industry effort can force a 2% cut in duty, claims WSTA's Miles Beale

Buckingham Schenk sees Argentina and Prosecco sales soar

Buckingham Schenk see sales of its Argentinian Viñalba brand rocket, with Prosecco also leading the charge while pre-filled goblets hit sales of 1 million.  

Heston Blumenthal to open Melbourne version of Fat Duck on February 3

The Australian version of Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck restaurant is to open in Melbourne in February 3 2015 with reservations being taken from October 8.

Accolade Wines switches its European division from the UK to Poland

Accolade Wines is to run its European affairs from a new dedicated office in Warsaw, Poland rather than manage the operation from its UK headquarters.

The Harpers Gang...here to entertain you!

An independent Scotland is bad news for Scotch whisky in short-term, says Rabobank

An independent Scotland will have a negative impact on the Scotch whisky industry in the short term, says a new report from Rabobank.

French harvest looking good, say estate owners

French winemakers are optimistic about the current harvest, especially given the current spell of good weather is making for perfect harvesting conditions.