Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

UK Sommelier of the Year 2026 awarded to Emma Denney

Published: 15 July, 2026

Claridge’s director of wine Emma Denney has been awarded the UK Sommelier of the Year 2026 title, after two days of high-level competition.

Entries for Harpers Design Awards 2026 now open

Published: 09 July, 2026

The Harpers Design Awards 2026 are now open to all drinks brands and design agencies looking to highlight the presentation and functionality of their products in a wide range of categories.

Winners of Wine Australia trip ‘down under’ announced

Published: 07 July, 2026

Wine Australia has announced the six sommeliers and on-trade buyers that will be joining it on their first-ever trip to the country’s wine regions in November 2026.

Sommelier Wine Awards 2026: Top merchants and producers revealed

Published: 06 July, 2026

In addition to the outstanding selection of trophy, gold, silver and bronze medal wines at this year’s Sommelier Wine Awards (SWA), our winning producers and distributors are also now revealed.

IWC unveils new global regional structure

Published: 22 June, 2026

Well-known wine competition the International Wine Challenge (IWC) has announced a new structure that will see it evolve into four regional wine competitions across the following geographies: Americas; Asia Pacific; Europe; and the UK.

Copa Jerez applications open for chef-somm duos

Published: 17 June, 2026

Applications are now open for UK teams for the national finals of Copa Jerez 2026. Chef-sommelier teams are invited to create and present a three-course meal paired with Sherry.

China: Improving wine quality excites

Published: 08 June, 2026

The quality of Chinese wines has massively improved in recent years, with premium wines from the People’s Republic now on a par with those from more traditional winemaking regions. Producers have been taking full advantage of the great diversity of climates that come naturally with China’s vast size – much of it “ideally suited” to making great wine, according to Michael Palij MW, senior advisor for specialist importer Vinum Eurus.

Torres Brandy Zero Challenge: Bar trade sustainability plaudits

Published: 08 May, 2026

Although often underappreciated, the global hospitality industry has a significant environmental impact, with Deloitte estimating that it represented 3% of worldwide carbon emissions in 2022. To put this into perspective, this is roughly similar to the CO2 output of Japan (the world’s fifth-largest emitter), according to the International Energy Agency.

‘Taste of England’ competition introduced by Chapel Down

Published: 13 April, 2026

Leading English wine producer Chapel Down has launched the ‘Taste of England’, a competition aimed at celebrating the next generation of English chefs.

Entries open for Ruinart Sommelier Challenge 2026

Published: 27 March, 2026

Applications have opened for the ninth edition of the Ruinart Sommelier Challenge.

Overcoming the pitfalls of indie ecommerce

Published: 23 February, 2026

While some aspects of ecommerce may seem beyond the scope and pockets of many indies, there are ways of integrating it into a physical business, finds Oliver Catchpole.

Harpers 30 Under 30 nominations: Deadline this Friday!

Published: 17 February, 2026

Friday (20/2) is the deadline to get your nominations in for this year’s Harpers 30 Under 30. The competition aims to celebrate the best and brightest in the wine & spirits world – from buyers to bartenders, we welcome entries from across our diverse and lively sector.

Reminder: Two weeks to enter Sommelier Wine Awards 2026

Published: 04 February, 2026

There is now only two weeks left to enter wines to be judged at the Sommelier Wine Awards (SWA) 2026.

Nick Gillett: Toe to toe with giants – how independent spirits can compete

Published: 26 January, 2026

In today’s challenging economy, with all the difficulties UK hospitality is facing, it can feel like the drinks industry is being shaped more and more by our sector’s biggest players; the big boys of global industry with deep, deep pockets and reach. But let’s get it straight: the environment we’re currently in gives them a competitive edge. It helps them to win shelf space and bar listings – and that’s intimidating. I imagine if you’re a challenger brand or reasonably new to the market, you’re frustrated by the status quo.

Reminder: Sommelier Wine Awards 2026 open for entries

Published: 15 December, 2025

With the on-trade now in full swing over the lead up to what we hope is a fruitful Christmas, a reminder that the Sommelier Wine Awards (SWA) 2026 is open for entries.

Oz trip up for grabs at Wine Australia tasting

Published: 11 December, 2025

At the Australia and New Zealand Trade Tasting next year, Wine Australia – the organisation for the Australian grape and wine sector – is offering sommeliers, on-trade buyers and independent off-trade buyers the chance to win a two-week trade trip to Australia.

Sommelier Wine Awards 2026 now open for entries

Published: 29 October, 2025

The Sommelier Wine Awards (SWA) is open for entries to its 2026 round of judging.

Pernod Ricard launches SIP Supernova Programme

Published: 27 October, 2025

Pernod Ricard’s trade advocacy platform, SIP, has launched its 2026 SIP Supernova competition.

Nick Gillett: Do awards really help spirits brands?

Published: 27 October, 2025

Let’s get one thing out of the way: awards are not magic. They don’t instantly make your bottle fly off shelves or guarantee a global listing. But they can shift the conversation, open doors, and, if used smartly, add real commercial leverage.