Double Impact's Sobar is first alcohol-free bar in Nottingham

East Midland's charity Double Impact has opened Sobar, the region's first-ever alcohol-free bar and restaurant in Nottingham.

ProWein has to turn away exhibitors for 2014 show as waiting list grows

ProWein, the international wine trade fair, is having to turn away an increasing number of exhibitors who are keen to get in to the show as it is looking to "consolidate" on its strong 2013 performance by not increasing stand or hall space in 2014. 

Call Time on Duty: Beer sales up due to impact of duty cuts

Beer sales in the off trade rose 3.9% by volume in the fourth quarter of 2013, marking increases for two consecutive quarters for the first time in 10 years, following the cut in beer duty last year.

Laithwaite's Wine launches business in Taiwan

Brown-Forman: the next big deal?

Mergers and acquisitions are the name of the game at the moment in the spirits world and whiskey brands are taking centre stage.

Two thirds of hospitality firms to increase wages in 2014

US merchants call for lower prices in Bordeaux 2013 en primeur campaign

As the trade gets ready for the annual 2013 en primeur tastings an increasing number of leading wine merchants  around the world are calling for lower prices in this year's campaign, including key players in the United States.

London Wine Fair pledges £40k to attract indies and on-trade

Kingsland Wine & Spirits poaches marketing director from Accolade

New chief financial officer for Quintessential Brands

Trinchero Estates, owner of Sutter Home, sets up own UK distribution

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 haved done a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Languedoc-based winery aims to create a world class sparkling wine in Kent

A Languedoc-based winery has taken up the challenge of trying to create a world class sparkling wine in a new vineyard in Kent.

Final Call: Should 2013 Bordeaux en primeur be cancelled?

Some leading figures in the UK wine trade have called for the cancellation of the 2013 Bordeaux en primeur campaign, but is it just a select number of critics or a vast majority of buyers?

Constellation Brands stock is climbing

Constellation Brands is starting 2014 on a high note, with its stock prices hitting a 52-week high last week of $81.51 on better than expected Q3 earnings and revenue reports.

Berry Bros steps in to try and save UK juniper plants for gin production

Berry Bros & Rudd Spirits is looking to help protect juniper plants, vital in the production of gin, by providing grants for three different growing areas in the UK.

Major shake-up at Drinkaware after audit criticism

Mangrove adds Old Forester Bourbon to its range

UK distributor Mangrove will now offer Old Forester Bourbon whiskey as part of its portfolio of specialist spirits and liqueurs.

Independent wine merchants could win £200k investment

Concha y Toro to 'play long game' with mid-price Chilean wine Frontera