Claire Hu: South African Classic Wine awards with a French twist

What do you get when you fly a group of French bigwigs to South Africa to judge wines made by their antipodean colleagues? An entente cordiale or a guerre froide (cold war)?

Six in 10 consumers willing to pay £7+ on wine, says Pernod Ricard

Since 58% of shoppers are willing to trade up on wine, but only 11% do, Pernod Ricard is stepping up its premium push.

Consumer engagement is key to French success

French wine brands should take a leaf out of the soft drinks or confectionery categories' books by thinking about what the consumer wants.

Chilean wines growing fastest in independents

Chilean wines are growing fast in the independent sector - having displaced Italy from fourth place by volume - they now have a 10% share of that market.

Pernod Ricard launches off-trade Espresso Martini pack

Pernod Ricard has launched a Espresso Martini pack as part of its premium edge initiative to allow off-trade retailers to tap into the popular cocktail trend.

Blog: Anne Krebiehl meets Margaux's Paul Pontallier

Anne Krebiehl headed to a seminar tasting with Château Margaux managing director and winemaker Paul Pontallier.

Part two of indie merchants' Beaujolais blog

In the second blog from Harpers' Independent Buyers Trip to Beaujolais, run in conjunction with InterBeaujolais, we hear from a few more of the independent retailers who went out to the region.

Treasury Wine reports solid half year growth

Despite falling volumes and a drop in sales revenue, Treasury Wine Estates has reported solid growth in earnings in its half year results.

Strong half year for Pernod Ricard, despite 'softness' in Europe

French drinks giant Pernod Ricard posted half year net profits up 20% to €800 million, thanks to strong growth from emerging markets and biggest selling brands.

Sir George Fistonich awards first Master Sommeliers Scholarship

Master sommelier Damien Detcheverry, is the first person to be awarded the Sir George Fistonich - Villa Maria Estate - Court of Master Sommeliers Scholarship.

International Gamay Competition winners announced

The second International Gamay Competition organised by Inter Beaujolais, has announced 169 medal winners.

New chief winemaker for Craggy Range

Beaujolais whites a hit with independent retailers

Beaujolais' lesser-known whites are building up a following among independent wine merchants who praise the wines' "sensible prices", "food-friendly styles" and"consumer appeal".

Argentina grows UK exports

The popularity of Argentinian wines continues to forge ahead, with UK exports for 2011 up 8.4% by value, according to the latest figures from Wines of Argentina.

Indie merchants blog from Beaujolais

Last week Harpers Wine & Spirit, in conjunction with InterBeaujolais, invited a handful of leading independent wine merchants to go out to Beaujolais and discover the wines for themselves.

Chablis Wine Competition announces winners

Twenty-six wines were given awards at the 26th annual Chablis Wine Competition.

Pernod Ricard becomes corporate patron of Saatchi Gallery

Pernod Ricard UK has become corporate patron of the Saatchi Gallery, meaning it can showcase its premium status, brands and activities in its creative space.

Penfolds: one of Australia's most-desired brands

Iconic Australian brand Penfolds dominated the Australian secondary wine market last year - securing 70 places in the top 100.

Villa Maria vintage update - two weeks behind

Alastair Maling MW, Villa Maria group winemaker, is hoping for a drier February, and forecasts that yields will be down in Marlborough.

Villa Maria vintage update - two weeks behind

Alastair Maling MW, Villa Maria group winemaker, is hoping for a drier February, and forecasts that yields will be down in Marlborough.