Sicilian wines are a great match with the independent sector, but if you don't know your Nero d'Avola from your Nerello Mascalese then head to the Wines of Sicily tasting to find out more.
In the first of our new series the Big Question we give independent wine merchants the chance to speak out about topics that matter to them and their business.
Independent wine merchants are being urged to raise their profile with consumers and differentiate themselves from the price promotion tactics of the major multiples.
Independent wine retailers, like all other businesses, need to keep a close eye on the paperwork. A missed invoice here and a final demand there won't keep you trading for long. In short, lousy admin makes for a terrible, money-draining business. What happens though when the admin has been taken out of your hands by other parties?
The next big event in the calendar is the Definitive Italian Wine Tasting, where the number of exhibitors is slightly down or "streamlined" in the words of the organisers.
What's in store for the trade this summer?
Is the Olympic Games going to be a bonanza or a headache for the drinks industry?