Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Davy’s teams up with New Zealand winery

Published: 08 April, 2019

Indie wine merchant and wholesaler Davy’s has announced an exclusive distribution partnership with New Zealand estate, Te Kano.

Indies Loire promotion in May

Published: 29 March, 2019

Harpers and Loire Valley Wines are calling out to all independent wine merchants to take part in an exciting new promotion of the region.

Buckingham Schenk goes veggie for portfolio update

Published: 28 March, 2019

Buckingham Schenk has bumped up its number of vegetarian-friendly wines, which now account for 70% of its wine list.

Your local, approachable indie wine merchant

Published: 26 November, 2018

Following The Vineking’s soft opening of The Tasting Rooms in Reigate last month, Lisa Riley meets the brains behind the new venture and hears about the raison d’être – accessibility

Hanging Ditch founder sets out to challenge ‘normal wine merchant model’ with new venture

Published: 01 November, 2018

Hanging Ditch founder Ben Stephenson has revealed the plans for his latest venture - a wine retail, entertainment and social space that works from morning to night.

Indies brave the storm

Published: 26 September, 2018

With the likes of an undetermined Brexit and poor 2017 harvest to deal with, how are independents coping? Lisa Riley reports

Harpers reveals 50 Best Indies

Published: 25 September, 2018

Harpers unveiled the result of this year’s 50 Best Indies competition at a prestigious event held last night in the capital, with Vagabond Wines once again claiming the top spot followed by Oxford Wine Company and Berry Bros & Rudd.

Meet the buyers: Lesley Cook, Lanchester Wines

Published: 06 September, 2018

Our September meet the buyers series catches up with the regional wholesalers and distributors tying the trade together.

Meet the buyers: Charles Steevenson, Steevenson Wines

Published: 06 September, 2018

Our September meet the buyers series catches up with the regional wholesalers and distributors tying the trade together.

Meet the buyers: Stephen Crosland, Tanners Wines

Published: 06 September, 2018

Our September meet the buyers series catches up with the regional wholesalers and distributors tying the trade together.

Brexit delivering negative impact on business for three quarters of independent trade

Published: 30 August, 2018

A Harpers survey on the current effects and possible outcomes of Brexit has revealed that 73% of on and off-trade businesses believe the vote has already had a negative impact on their business.

Last call for indies to sign up to Shop Rioja

Published: 10 July, 2018

Independent wine retailers have a last chance to enter Shop Rioja and win £1,000 towards new listings of the Spanish region's wines.

The indies tapping into craft beer

Published: 29 May, 2018

Talk into an indie merchant in 2018 and while you may be faced with wall upon wall of wine from here, there and everywhere, you’re just as likely to encounter a kaleidoscopic display of beers and ciders in bottles, cans, growlers and kegs.

Keeping the list keen

Published: 23 February, 2018

We asked leading indie merchants how they approach buying and what they will be hunting out for 2018. Philip Amps, Greg Sherwood MW and Henry Butler explain the method (and occassional madness) in planning for the year ahead:

The indie retailer where the customer is king

Published: 05 February, 2018

With a no-nonsense attitude to wine retailing and a true focus on the customers’ needs, The Vineking in Surrey is approaching 2018 with a renewed focus. Lisa Riley reports

Meet the Buyers: Darren Willis, owner, Grape & Grind

Published: 03 January, 2018

Like many professionals working in the trade, a career in wine was never part of the original plan – I studied mechanical engineering at university, graduating in 1997. Yet after completing a WSET course in London, I applied for a position at Harvey Nichols in 2001. I soon fell in love with both the people and subject, a passion that endures today.

Looking ahead: Ruth Yates, founder and MD, Cork’s Out

Published: 20 December, 2017

With the all-important Christmas trading period underway - and hopefully turning passion into profit for the UK’s wine and spirits operators - we at Harpers are looking ahead past New Year to see what’s in store for the trade in 2018.