DEFRA minister quizzed by trade on timetables and trade-route worries

Disruption at ports like Dover and the impact of drawn-out Brexit negotiations were two of the concerns raised at a meeting of the trade and Defra Food and Drink Minister, George Eustice.

New M Wine Bar ups stakes in London's wine by the glass offer

The hybrid M Restaurant and Wine Store in Victoria has further evolved its vinous offer with the introduction of a wine bar and what it says is “the largest collection of perfectly preserved wines by the glass in London”. 

The week that was

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.

Turkey sets sight on 'quality' export markets

Wines of Turkey held their third annual London tasting yesterday with producers – suffering high domestic sales taxes and growing local restrictions on promotions and sales – eager to boost exports beyond the  traditional markets, Germany and the US.

IWC to reveal 90-100 point scores on top medals

The International Wine Challenge (IWC) has announced that for the first time producers and suppliers will now be able to source medals displaying the score of wines that achieve 90 points or more, translating as Silver, Gold and Trophy level awards.

McGuigan reveals plans to tap thirst for single varietals

McGuigan has revealed a line a NPD poised to hit shelves next year in a bid to tap Brits’ increasing thirst for single varietals wines.

Chapel Down dips toes further into spirits with vodka and gin duo

Chapel Down has launched a spirits range comprising vodka and gin to tap the opportunity for ‘super premium’ tipples.

WSET reveals annual awards nominees

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has announced the nominees for two of its most prestigious awards – Educator of the Year and Outstanding Alumni.

Palmer & Harvey enters administration

Major UK wholesaler Palmer & Harvey (P&H) has gone into administration as hopes for buyout plans by private equity firm Carlyle falls through.

Window of opportunity for white, sparkling and low ABV wines

Wine is set to continue this year’s winning streak thanks to a boost from sparkling, white and low/no alcohol wines.

The creation of Priorat Singulars

A new association of producers from Catalonia’s DOQ Priorat officially presented their new Priorat Singulars group in Barcelona on 27 November, representing a new initiative to raise the profile of the region's very top wines.

New reference point for English wine with first EU cross-border appellation approval

Wines of England may be known for their sparkling production, but their still wines now have a new cool climate reference point to compare with.

Marcelo Papa takes top wine job as Concha y Toro named biggest mover of 2016

Marcelo Papa has been appointed technical director of South American wine behemoth Concha y Toro.

Diageo boss calls for action over “scandalous” talent waste in wake of Brexit

Diageo boss Ivan Menezes has claimed that there is a “scandalous waste of talent” in the UK with 790,000 young people not in education, unemployment or training (NEET).

New government food and drink council to secure global trade

Dragon backs new sugar-free wine range

Investors have backed the healthy drinking trend by ploughing funds into a range of new Italian wines which are tipped to be completely sugar and carb free.

Five sommeliers from across the UK and Ireland recipients of NZW scholarship

New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) today announced that five out of its eight European recipients of its 2018 International Sommelier Scholarship are from the UK and Ireland.

Blackwoods gears up for 2017 gin and vodka vintage launches

Blackwoods has revealed it will be launching a new 2017 vintage across its premium vodka and gins in January next year.

Think Rum's Peter Holland asks 'Do you really know it all?'

It’s almost time for our Think Rum event, which will once again kick off the New Year with a day of debates, tastings and presentations to delve deeper into this incredibly versatile and increasingly popular category.

Three Choirs launches ‘first release’ still white for the first time in six years

Three Choirs Vineyards has launched a ‘first release’ still white wine for the first time in six years.