The week that was

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 01 September, 2017

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Top Stories: Joe Fattorini caused a stir this week by broaching the subject of crowd-sourcing wine columns. The wine educator and presenter called out the trade for the practice, which he argued are “killing” creativity in wine journalism.

Harpers also caught up with Borough Wines MD Muriel Chatel to find out what the London independent has in store for the latter half of 2017, and we headed to Galicia in the Atlantic reaches of Spain where April frosts have contributed to the earliest harvest in 30 years.

Whisky business: The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) accompanying PM Theresa May on a trade delegation to Japan helped to put the spirit in the news this week.

Japan is an increasing important market for Scotch, worth £82.2 million last year.

It appears the thirst for whisky is reciprocated in the UK.

According to e fine wine and spirits merchant BI, sales of premium Japanese whisky have soared in by 232% since the start of 2017 – another reason for the two countries to maintain their strong trade links following Brexit.

And whisky was on the agenda at Pernod Ricard for helping the spirits giant to drive significant growth in one of its biggest markets – the US.

Analysis and Insights: This week we looked at how online reviews can increasingly make or break a business – especially with millennials and the restaurant world.