Analysis: Can Cava strike gold on its quest for premiumisation?

James Lawrence takes a look at Cava producers who are bucking the trend, even leaving the regional Cava designation, in an effort to produce a more premium product. But how much traction are these Cava producers getting?

Analysis: Is Burgundy is set for one of its greatest vintages?

Perhaps keen not to be outdone by Bordeaux, where hopes for 2015 are already very high, Burgundy is set for one of its greatest vintages. That, at least, is the view of Thierry Budin, president of Chateau de Santenay, which owns 98 hectares of vines across fourteen appellations of Burgundy.

Harpers 2015 Survey: A look back at 2015 and what to expect in 2016

As we approach the end of 2015 and set our sights on 2016, we thought it was an apt time to take stock of the trade and where you, our readers, think the future of drinks is headed.

Insights: Autumn tastings reveal long-term strategies for multiple retailers

Angela Mount hit many of the autumn multiple retailer tastings ahead of the Christmas trading period to get in-depth insight into each retailers different long-term strategies.

Analysis: Is the flavoured whisky and Bourbon drinks boom offensive to purists?

As flavoured whisky and Bourbon drinks sales boom, Dominic Roskrow looks at their impact on the category and how purists are coping with their popularity.

Insights: The 12 must have drams of Christmas

It's been another huge year for whisky, but how do you go about offering a comprehensive and exciting choice for your customers? Dominic Roskrow offers some advice.

Insights: What wine trends will be driving this year's festive period

et the planning, stock, marketing and sales mix right and Christmas should deliver a bumper season, with a sales uplift over the extended period that, for many, can come close to matching the take for the rest of the year. Conversely, though, at its most extreme, depressed or underperforming, Christmas trading can seriously impact on the ongoing health of a business. Which is why it is so important to make the most of this seasonal drinkfest.

Insights: Retailers' Christmas strategies revealed

Analysis: Spirits brands set to make the most of Christmas trading period

With the 12 weeks leading up to Christmas the most crucial for all in the drinks trade, Erin Smith looks at how the spirits sector fares at this time of year.

Analysis: Greatest Champagne vintage for 70 years?

Geoffery Dean gets the inside scoop on this year's harvest from some of the iconic Champagne houses

Analysis: Gavin Quinney weighs in on the Bordeaux harvest 2015 and how the 'rule of five' may come into play

As the harvest draws to a close in Bordeaux, Gavin Quinney talks us through the early predictions and explains why the 'Bordeaux rule of five' is likely to come into play this year

Insights: Australian wines move away from French varietals

Australian winemakers have long been moving away from hefty, high alcohol wines towards less oaked, cooler climate wines, with the growth of Pinot Grigio from Mornington Peninsular a prime example. However, the trend to also move away from the once overwhelming focus on French varietals seems to be growing.

WSTA Annual Conference: The importance of brand values in building loyalty

At the annual WSTA conference last month we heard leading members of the marketing world discuss the importance of brand loyalty in the digital age.

Analysis: "Other" sparkling wines are taking a greater slice of the market

As sales of sparkling wine go from strength to strength, Jane Parkinson takes a look at the other sparklers attempting to challenge the might of Champagne, Cava and Prosecco.

Troy Christensen: The future strategy of Enotria

From wine's commercial coalface to the premium on-trade, Enotria's boss Troy Christensen is proving to be a dynamic player keen to shake up the status quo. He talks about why premium remains his mantr

Interview: Inside the Conviviality supergroup with chief Diana Hunter

Head of Conviviality Diana Hunter talks about the company's reverse takeover of Matthew Clark and what it could mean for the trade.

Analysis: Port, a very British Tradtion

The Christmas trading period has historically been Port's chance to shine in the UK and this year looks set to be no exception.

Analysis: White Bordeaux on the up?

The Bordelais may have had a few tough vintages in row for its reds wines, but could their dry whites be on the rise?

Insights: Why the super-premium and ultra-rare bottles spirits market is heating up

A growing demand for super-premium and ultra-rare bottles of whisky and Cognac has created a fiercely competitive market for the very best spirits. Why is it happening now?

Analysis: A rise in white and red wines from Bordeaux demostrate its diversity

Looking beyond red and the hype of en primeur there seems to be a resurgence in white and rosé wines from Bordeaux.