It's confirmed, we're not alone, there is life on another planet!

For years scientists have pondered the idea that life may exist on a planet other than Earth. Countless money, running into billions of dollars, has been ploughed into research to answer this very simple question: Is there life on another planet? Well now we finally have the answer…

A VERY KRUG VINTAGE: 2003

Notes in a small red book, an exuberant champagne, a challenging year and a monsieur Olivier Krug.

Sparkling Shiraz, Easter Eggs and Peking Duck

Sparkling red wine is very versatile although, many wine lovers are at a loss as to how to drink it. Of course, the obvious answer for this is chilled and in a flute.

Stephen Forward | Essentially Wine

Founder and owner of Essentially Wine Ltd established in 2004, and specializing in importing and retailing fine wines from small producers. Prior to that I spent 20 years in the IT industry, the last 13 or so living and working in Switzerland running a computer services company.

En Primeur: Catching up with Smith Haut Lafitte

It was great to see SHL Technical director Fabien Teitgen, and owners Florence and Daniel Cathiard at Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte last Wednesday at the Chateau for the tasting of wines from Graves and Pessac-Leognan. I always taste "blind" (meaning that this group does not know what they are tasting until a sheet of wine, keyed with the wines number, is given to us at the end of the tasting.

Visiting Chateau Fourcas Hosten

"Welcome!" is the greeting from the charming Mommeja brothers, Renaud and Laurent, as they welcome me into their incredibly restored chateau that dates from the 18th century, and is designed to replicate the period ... yet the original owners, I am sure, never had such incredible luxuries!

Jerry Lockspeiser: do wine buyers get the suppliers they deserve?

Jerry Lockspeiser, chairman of Off-Piste Wines, discusses the challenges wine buyers may encounter with suppliers and a five point plan on how to get the most out of a supplier relationship.

En Primeur: Meeting Sylvio Denz of Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey

What does M. Denz have in store for the first growth Sauternes?

Tim Atkin MW: Why en primeur is not working

Tim Atkin MW on why the en primeur system needs urgent reform to not only regain the trust of critics and the trade alike but most importantly keep it relevant and credible to future investors. 

En Primeur 2014: Visiting Chateau Carbonnieux

Discover what goes on inside the gates of Chateau Carbonnieux

So what do you think will happen to the 2014 Vintage?

Gemma McKenna

Harpers News Editor

Mike Paul: is the new EU planting wine regime a missed opportunity or pragmatic compromise?

Given the space devoted recently to predictions relating to the future of the wine business I've been surprised at the lack of attention focused on the new EU vine planting regime which is due to come into effect at the end of 2015. From that date each member state with over 50,000 hectares under vine will be able to add 1% per year to its vineyard area.

Storytelling" lunch with CEO Carolyn Wente and Karl Wente

A very interesting "storytelling" lunch with CEO Carolyn Wente and her nephew Karl Wente, senior VP of Winemaking.d a summary

Exploring Conegliano Valdobbiadene: The Land of Prosecco Superior

"Prosecco?" the gentlemen asks, a bit startled by my question about it's "image." "It's sexy, cool, a fun sparkler to order in a bar," he responds.

Mark Fiddes how history can give your brand a cause to celebrate

"Beware of Greeks bearing gifts," said Laocoon of the Trojan Horse.

Jerry Lockspeiser: when it comes to liking wine preconceptions are everything

Many years ago I was trying to sell Argentinean wine to the Co-op. We had a delicious, modern style Torrontes that had been custom made for the UK market but I just could not persuade the buyer, of its merits. He tasted it several times always with the same result: he said he didn't like Torrontes. 

Karen Capey | Business development manager BWS

Sometimes chocolate and champagne should not mix

We are programmed to believe that love cannot live without this particular pairing. The truth is a lot more complicated than you want your romantic night to be. While it is a ‘simple’ matter of taste, here is a quick guide to pairing the two this St. Valentine’s Day.

It's wet on our Somerset vines