The average price of a bottle of wine sold in independents has risen to £8.96, according to OLN’s exclusive poll of the sector.

Despite the recession, the fastest-growing segments of the wine market are at the premium end. According to recent Nielsen figures, volumes of £10-plus wine have rocketed by 29%, and wines priced between £8.01 and £9 by 30%.

As OLN's research into the independent

arena enters its next phase with new sponsor, the California Wine Institute, its UK director John McLaren tells us why good merchants are such a vital part of the trad

Noel Young Wines has added 2006 releases from Château de Beaucastel to its Rhône en primeur offer.

Glasgow wine merchant Inverarity One to One is reporting encouraging sales of its own-label Timorous Beasties wines, featuring labels conceived in the city by the design house of the same name.

Edencroft Fine Wines has teamed up with Bollinger to offer its customers a gourmet dinner at Willington Hall, a luxury hotel in Cheshire.

London merchant Wines of the World has combined its hand-selling expertise with new technology by introducing video

One of the best-known independent wine merchants in East Sussex has relocated from its original home in Eastbourne to the county town of Lewes.

In-store tastings are the most effective way of boosting sales, according to an exclusive OLN survey of independent wine merchants. Almost 200 independent merchants took part in the survey.

Older Bordeaux and Burgundy wines which might otherwise turn to vinegar are being given a new lease of life by London wine merchant The Sampler.

Halifax Wine Company was one of several merchants which opted for a late Easter break this year. "We choose to run our business as a family -run business, which provides many bonuses," the company told its customers. "However, one downside is getting enough holiday time without compromising our customer service. The week after the Easter weekend has always been one of our quieter trading weeks, and so this year we have decided to close for an extra three days.

Cheltenham wine merchant John Gordons has opened up its previously unused cellar to create a new bar area.

A selection of wine-themed artwork by Richard Horne, aka Harry Horse, is being made available to internet users by Peebles merchant Villeneuve Wines. "The images were done for us 25 years ago," said director Alister Rae. "He was a friend and a brilliant artist." Horne went on to publish children's books and worked for the Independent and Guardian before his sudden death last year. Artwork which has been used in Villeneuve marketing for decades is now downloadable as wallpaper from Villeneuve's website.