SWA slams proposals for Scotch whisky tax

The chief executive for the Scotch Whisky Association, Gavin Hewitt, has defined proposals to put a bottle tax on whisky as "ludicrous".

Bibendum to launch new initiative at annual tasting

Bibendum is to help its customers tailor their ranges to suit consumer preference by launching A Matter of Taste at its trade-only annual tasting in February.

SWA slams proposals for Scotch whisky tax

The chief executive for the Scotch Whisky Association Gavin Hewitt, has defined proposals to put a bottle tax on whisky as "ludicrous'.

Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte boasts strong performance in 2012

Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte has strengthened its position among the leading Champagne brands  by posting its second most successful performance ever for 2012.

John Shearlock on why rockers want to be winemakers

What is it that wine and music have in common? Is it that, as with music, we struggle to put into words what it is that we feel when we drink wine, knowing simply that there is something above and beyond us, an intangible and almost incomprehensible facet, but that we know we like? Or is it that the components of fine wine sing in harmony or play in concert like a well rehearsed Orchestra?

Corney & Barrow launches wine discovery initiative

Corney & Barrow launched Discover Your Wine Style at its annual tasting yesterday, in a bid to demystify wine by allowing guests to choose according to their likes and dislikes.

Corney & Barrow launch Discover Your Wine Style

Corney & Barrow launched Discover Your Wine Style at its annual wine tasting, in a bid to demystifying wine by allowing guests to choose according to their likes and dislikes.

Burgundy En Primeur 2011 Tasting Reviews: Berry Bros & Rudd

To help you keep on top of the large number of Burgundy tastings this month for the 2011 en primeur campaign Harpers is publishing reviews direct from key tasting from members of the trade. Here Jenny Mackenzie of Early Bird Wine News gives her view on this week's Berry Bros and Rudd Burgundy tasting.

Mike Matthews on the quality of Edinburgh's wine merchants

You're in the Scottish capital and you're looking for a decent bottle of wine, where do you go? It would be easy to think of Scotland's drinking habits, based on the stereotypical image of the nation's tartan army, as being fuelled by whisky and beer but not wine; fair enough when you consider you are in single malt country and Belhaven is readily available at almost every corner.

Wemyss Malts to build whisky distillery in Fife

The Wemyss family, owner of Wemyss Malts has announced it is to build a single malt whisky distillery and visitor centre on the back of a grant from the Scottish government.

New Benevolent chairman pledges JF Hillebrand will match customer donations

Drinks logistics firm JF Hillebrand has pledged to match donations made by its customers to The Benevolent as director Chris Porter begins a two-year stint as the charity's chairman.

Burgundy En Primeur 2011 Tasting Reviews: Institute of Masters of Wine Burgundy Seminar

To help you keep on top of the large number of Burgundy tastings this month for the 2011 en primeur campaign Harpers is publishing reviews direct from key tastings and related Burgundy events from members of the trade. Here Anne Krebiehl reports from the Institue of Masters of Wines seminar and debate on Burgundy held this week.

Live news blog: Christmas trading results

Last chance to win in Harpers end of year quiz

Do you know which movie character was fond of a White Russian? If you do then you stand a chance of winning six bottles of Cloudy Bay Pelorus and lots of other prizes in the Harpers Christmas quiz. But hurry closing date is next Tuesday.

Majestic posts Christmas sales rise

Majestic Wine chief executive Steve Lewis has described the Christmas trading season as "challenging", despite posting a rise in sales.

Eating out set to rise, experts predict

The foodservice sector is set to reverse last year's sales decline to grow modestly this year, according to foodservice consultancy Horizons.

Bacardi snaps up St-Germain elderflower liqueur

Bacardi has acquired premium elderflower liqueur brand St-Germain from The Cooper Spirits Company.

New Blanc de Blancs launched by Nyetimber

West Sussex-based English wine producer Nyetimber has released its 2007 Blanc de Blancs.

UK Sommelier Association (North Area) rolls out fast-track course

The UK Sommelier Association (North Area), is to roll out one of the only northern-based fully accredited sommelier courses from February 2013.

UK Sommelier Association (North) rolls out fast-track sommelier course

The UK Sommelier Association (North), is to roll out one of the only northern based fully accredited sommelier course from February 2013.