The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

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

New Vinexpo chief open to idea of starting new shows around the world

Guillaume Deglise, the new chief executive of Vinexpo, said he remains open to running events in new markets around the world but only in the context of the bi-annual Bordeaux show remaining "the number-one priority".

New device aims to turn water into wine

The founder of struggling flash wine sale site Lot 18 has come up with another radical idea for the wine trade -a machine to turn water into wine within three days.

Vente-privee.com to launch wine flash sales in the UK

The growth of flash-sales sites looks set to hit online wine retailers as French giant vente-privee.com prepares for its UK wine launch.

France's LGI Wines promotes winemaker Xavier Roger to MD

Southern French specialists LGI Wines' chief winemaker Xavier Roger has stepped up to the role of managing director in the wake of founder Alain Grignon's retirement.

TaxPayers Alliance calls on the public to get behind Call Time On Duty campaign

Jonathan Isaby, chief executive of the TaxPayers Alliance has thrown his weight behind the wine and spirit industry's Call Time On Duty campaign, by callling on the public to lobby their MPs to urge the Chancellor to stop the duty escalator.

?Brown-Forman raises fiscal outlook for 2014

Jack Daniel's brand grew underlying sales 10%, helping Brown-Forman Corporation continue its momentum to post further gains in its third quarter financial results which were released yesterday.

Portugal claims its wine sales are 'misrepresented' in UK

Portugal says its wine sales are being misrepresented in the UK off-trade - it claims it should be ahead of Argentina and among the top 10 importing countries.

Wines of Argentina's Cambalache event to return to London in April

The ground breaking consumer tasting, Cambalache, organised by the Wines of Argentina, is to return in 2014 bringing the culture, music, art, food and wine of Latin America to London's East End.

Bottle Green's on-trade arm going from 'strength to strength'

Bottle Green's on-trade and independent division is going from "strength to strength" - accounting for one third of business in just two years.

New Scottish whisky region to be created on the Island of Harris in the Outer Hebrides

A new whisky region is being created with the buildilng of the first distillery on the Island of Harris in the Outer Hebrides.

In the spotlight: Fairtrade issues in South Africa

South Africa's agricultural sector came under fire in the past few years over infringing the human rights of farm workers, some of whom helped build the country's wine trade. Erin Smith takes a look at two initiatives aimed at combating such problems, namely the Wine Industry Ethical Trade Agreement and Fairtrade.

Ruinart: 2013 was good year in Champagne

Ruinart's cellar master says despite bad news elsewhere in France, 2013 was a good year in Champagne, and the house will make a 2013 vintage.

Jason Atherton to open restaurant in London's Tower 42

Matthew Clark to distribute Catalan wine Herencia Altés

On-trade wholesaler Matthew Clark has added Catalan wine Herencia Altés, previously distributed by Liberty Wines, to its portfolio.

González Byass sees rapid growth in on-trade

González Byass is growing rapidly in the UK on-trade since taking on distribution for Champagne Deutz five months ago.

Moet Hennessey launches sparkling Argentinian wine in UK

Moet Hennessey is hoping to persuade UK consumers to trade up from standard and premium sparkling wine, and down from entry level champagne with the forthcoming launch of its premium sparkling wine brand, Chandon.

The Co-operative looks to convert mainstream wine brands to Fairtrade

The Co-operative is looking to recruit more mainstream wine brands into Fairtrade as it prepares to relaunch its range.

Independents to receive expert advice on online retailing at PLB Manchester roadshow

Expert advice on the do's and dont's of online retailing will be part of tomorrow's PLB roadshow tasting for independent retailers taking place in Manchester.

Scotch whisky verification scheme at risk if independence goes ahead

A British government scheme set up in January to help consumers identify genuine UK-made products could be at risk should Scotland vote for independence.