Harpers regulars Atkin and Woodward go ‘mano a mano’ for International Wine Columnist Award

With only two weeks to go until the 4 September final of the prestigious Louis Roederer International Wine Awards, Harpers columnists Tim Atkin MW and Guy Woodward are among the hopeful writers awaiting the final judging decisions.

TWE appoints Michelle Brampton as commercial director UK and Ireland

Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has promoted Michelle Brampton to the newly created role of commercial director - UK and Ireland.

Waitrose at forefront of organic wine boom

Waitrose has revealed that organic wine sales are up 57% year-on-year as customers look for more sustainable wines.

Harpers launches new Think Whisky event

Harpers and sister title Drinks Retailing News are joining forces to add a new event to the popular ‘Think’ spirits series.

New business showcases over 400 English wines

A new online wine club called Winebuyers has launched listing over 400 English wines.

Experience economy increasing consumer confidence in wine

Consumer confidence in the wine category is increasing, driven by the ‘experience economy’ and the growing engagement with the drinks category, research analyst Wine Intelligence has claimed.

Looking ahead: Michael Patterson, senior category manager, food and beverage, GLH Hotels

Premium spirits worth 40% more to the on-trade at Christmas

The shift to premium spirits has happened and is here to stay, opening up a multimillion pound opportunity for the UK’s bars and restaurants this festive season.

Australian bulk prices rise as short harvest meets Chinese thirst

The 2018 crush Down Under will fall short of meeting current demand for Australian wine, driving prices upward.

Looking ahead: Richard Cochrane, Félix Solís UK

The week that was

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, here’s a review of the top online news, analysis, opinions and features.

Gaucho is a casualty of shifting social mores, say analysts

Healthy eating trends could be contributing to the demise of the casual dining sector as we know it, new research has boldly stated, while calling on the alcohol sector to be a force for change.

Hallgarten appoints Francois Lincoln as business development director

Hallgarten has recruited a second business development director as part of its ongoing drive to grow the business.

Biking bonanza raises thousands for The Benevolent

Strollers on the Sussex South Downs last weekend may have witnessed a peloton of 22 intrepid wine trade riders whizzing by on a 116 km ride to raise money for The Benevolent.

Woods woos budding wine buffs with wine school

Simon Woods, wine writer and author of ‘I Don’t Know Much About Wine But I Know What I Like’, has bought the Manchester Wine School with a view to bringing his down-to-earth educational approach to an ever-wider number of fellow Mancunians.

Looking ahead: Mark Lansley, Broadland Wineries

As the first half of 2018 draws to a close, Harpers asked key trade figures to highlight the current challenges, on-going trends and opportunities.

Nyetimber unveils 30th anniversary rebrand

Top English sparkling wine producer Nyetimber is commemorating with the big 3-0 with a new look for some of its products, including its classic cuvee.

Red Squirrel hits the road for portfolio tasting

Red Squirrel is heading out of London for its annual tasting for the first time, with plans to bring its focus on small artisanal producers to Bristol and Manchester.

Friarwood adds wines from Carlos Moro’s La Rioja project

Friarwood Fine Wines has announced it is expanding its Spanish portfolio with an exclusive selection from winemaker Carlos Moro.

Looking ahead: Mark Roberts, Lanchester Wines

As the first half of 2018 draws to a close, Harpers asked key trade figures to highlight the current challenges, on-going trends and opportunities