Sake set to finally make its mark in the UK in 2015

Chilean wine brand Casillero del Diablo teams up with Sky Movies

Chilean wine brand Casillero del Diablo is partnering with Sky Movies for the broadcaster's largest ever multi-channel sponsorship deal, which will get underway in March.

Direct Wines appoints David Thatcher as group ceo as Simon McMurtrie steps down

Simon McMurtrie, Direct Wines group chief executive, is stepping down later this month to act as chairman for a number of businesses, with current UK managing director David Thatcher replacing him.

Obituary: Serge Hochar of Lebanon's Château Musar

Michael Karam, acclaimed journalist, ambassador for Lebanese wine and author of  Wines of Lebanon remembers, Serge Hochar, the charismatic and buccaneering owner of Lebanon's Château Musar, who died at the age of 74, while on holiday with his family in Mexico over the new year.

International wine trade pays tribute following the death of Château Musar's Serge Hochar

The international wine trade has united today to pay its respects to the legendary Lebanese winemaker, Serge Hochar, of Château Musar, who died over the new year.

2014 Review and Hopes and Fears for 2015: John McLaren

John McLaren, UK director of the Wine Institute of California, on how the UK has changed to become a fresh land of opportunity for Californian producers, how it's in a 'holding pattern' with grocers, and why he 'may scream' if he's told to 'engage with consumers' again.

Video: 2014's Wine Vision conference highlights

November's Wine Vision conference brought together the great and the good of the wine world - and focused on everything from how the brain ventriloquises taste to the need to "drag more consumers into the category".

Carlsberg UK signs pledges not to sell more than four units in one can

Carlsberg UK has committed to the government's Public Health Responsibility Deal pledge on packaging - stating it will not sell any carbonated product with more than four units of alcohol in a single-serve can.

Pinkster gin steps up expansion plans

Raspberry gin brand Pinkster has stepped up expansion plans after securing a six-figure sum in second-round financing from an angel investor.

Harpers launches March for Independents conference and campaign to support merchants

In a bid to put the spotlight firmly on the independent merchant sector Harpers is to launch a campaign in the new year designed to highlight the issues facing retailers which will build up to a major independent merchant conference in London on March 3.

Andrew Shaw to head up Bibendum PLB's new buying team

Andrew Shaw is to head up  Bibendum PLB's new joint buying team to work across all trading companies of the business - Bibendum, PLB and Walker and Wodehouse.

Yellow Tail owner Casella completes purchase of Peter Lehmann Wines

Casella Family Brands is planning to ramp up sales of Peter Lehmann Wines both in Australia and overseas now that the acquisition has been completed.

Tesco accused of 'blunderbuss' approach in scrapping supplier fees

Tesco's move to scrap supplier fees and instead focus on getting the lowest prices upfront has been greeted with scepticism by leading consultants who describe is as "old-fashioned" and taking a "blunderbuss approach".

Spike in applications for craft distillers' licences takes HMRC 'by surprise'

The number of applications for craft distiller licences in the UK has taken HMRC "by surprise", spiking from two last year, to 35 so far in 2014.

Burgundy wines tries to buck falling UK sales with week-long event

The generic body behind Burgundy wines in the UK is launching a week long showcase of the region's wines in London in January 2015 as part of a bid to counteract its slump in sales.

Still time to test your knowledge and take the Harpers Quizmas Quiz Challenge!

There has been a lot going on over the last 12 months and it can be hard to keep up with the latest news, views and opinions in the UK wine and spirits sector. So why not find out how much you remember or what caught your attention in 2014 by taking part in our fun Harpers Quizmas Quiz Challenge.

James Bond returns to vodka - Belvedere vodka for new Spectre film

Bond is back and this time's he's drinking vodka. Belvedere vodka to be exact.

Matthew Gaughan on what the UK can learn from the rise of craft beers in the US

As in the UK, the beer scene in the US has been transformed over the last 20 years. As mainstream lagers have got blander and colder, craft breweries have sprung up around the country to be greeted by an enthusiastic and increasingly knowledgeable set of drinkers.

BBC Food & Drink's new double act of Joe Wadsack and Tom Kerridge goes live on January 2

Joe Wadsack, the acclaimed wine broadcaster and consultant, will make his first appearance as the new face of wine on BBC's Food & Drink programme when the programme is re-launched with two Michelin-star chef, Tom Kerridge, on January 2, 2015. 

Whisky Birmingham to attract 150 whisky players to its 2015 show

Over 150 whiskies will be on show at Whisky Birmingham on March 7, 2015, England's largest whisky festival outside London.