Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Justin Keay discovers some unknown suprises at last month's Go West tasting

Published: 15 April, 2015

Justin Keay weighs in on last month's Go West tasting and overwhelmingly urges the trade to "Go West, young man!"

Q&A: Chris Tomlinson, Tirril Brewery

Published: 14 April, 2015

Former pub owner turned brewer and distiller Chris Tomlinson of Tirril Brewery talks to Helen Arnold about the launch of Cumbria's first single malt whisky - the only malt in Britain made using a beer recipe

Justin Keay discovers some unknown suprises at last month's Go West tasting

Published: 14 April, 2015

Justin Keay weighs in on last month's Go West tasting and overwhelmingly urges the trade to 'Go West, young man!"

Guillaume Deglise, Vinexpo CEO: Despite US wine market growth, UK is still powerful

Published: 14 April, 2015

When I announced in London recently that the USA was the world's biggest wine consumer and that the Chinese are tipped to drink more red wine than anyone else, it was clearly unexpected news for many.

Q&A: Damian Clarke of Freixenet's UK says his past work with FMCGs is helping to build stronger brands in wine trade

Published: 14 April, 2015

After a career spanning many leading grocery brands, Freixenet's UK boss Damian Clarke explains how his classic FMCG training is paying dividends in sparkling wine in the UK.

Q&A: Andrea D'Ercole, Ipsum Vinoteca

Published: 13 April, 2015

Andrea D'Ercole has been importing Italian wine and food for the on-trade since 2003. Nigel Huddleston asks him why now was the right time to launch his own wine bar at Ipsum Vinoteca in Leeds

Q&A: Christian Seely of AXA Millésimes talks En Primeur

Published: 13 April, 2015

Since 2000, Christian Seely has successfully led AXA Millésimes alongside such wine estates as Château Suduiraut, Pichon-Longueville and La Tour Pibran. Now, all his attention is focused on the 2014 en primeur.

Interview: Why Paul Symington is set on ensuring a healthy future for Port wine

Published: 10 April, 2015

If the Port industry shares the same ambition and drive for its future as producer Paul Symington, then that future is healthy indeed

Fortified wines see sales declining, but there are still opportunties for the category

Published: 10 April, 2015

Despite declining volumes, there are still ample opportunities for growth and innovation within the fortified wine category.

Q&A: David Cox, chief executive, The Benevolent

Published: 10 April, 2015

"Despite being in existence for 129 years, I am acutely aware that there are many people within the drinks trade that do not actually know that there is a trade charity there to support and help them. And even if they did know about The Benevolent, we found that many myths and misconceptions exist about who we help and how we help."

Pierre Gagnaire: the chef other chefs want to be

Published: 10 April, 2015

oplePierre Gagnaire is one of the most admired and successful chefs in the world. James Steen talks to him about the Beatles, Beaujolais and the three Michelin stars he has held for nearly 20 years

Le Vignoble on bringing award winning retailing to the south west

Published: 10 April, 2015

Le Vignoble in Plymouth is a buzzy wine boutique and lounge keen to educate its consumers and turn them into life-long wine connoisseurs

Old Bridge Hotel turns to wine retailing to build success

Published: 10 April, 2015

When Huntingdon's Old Bridge Hotel launched its own wine shop, the idea seemed something of a folly. But, as Glynn Davis finds, it has been a runaway success

Riecine: Bringing a touch of Englishness to the Tuscan hills

Published: 10 April, 2015

The English have long beaten a path to the rolling hills of Tuscany for their holidays. Twenty-four years ago winemaker Sean O'Callaghan did just that - but he never left and has been making wines at Riecine winery ever since

Guy Woodward: Takes a look at the Cognac conundrum

Published: 10 April, 2015

I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times I've ordered Cognac. Like crystal meth and Bikram yoga, it's simply not something by which I've ever been tempted.

Richard Siddle: "I'd like to raise a glass to you all..."

Published: 10 April, 2015

When I joined Harpers eight years ago I have to admit I was very much an outsider joining the world of wine and spirits.

Tim Atkin MW: Burgundy mourns the passing of Anne-Claude Leflaive

Published: 10 April, 2015

Anne-Claude Leflaive was sometimes described as one of Burgundy's "grandes dames" but there was nothing aloof about the woman who ran the most famous white wine domaine in the Côte de Beaune. Relaxed, friendly, yet intensely focused, Anne-Claude inherited the easy charm and sense of humour of her father, Vincent, who preceded her at the helm of this prestigious property.

London Wine Fair 2015: Why LWF 2015 will the most diverse show in its history

Published: 10 April, 2015

After last year's make-or-break return to central London, London Wine Fair organisers Ross Carter and Will Broadfoot talk about what they claim is going to make London Wine Fair 2015 the most diverse show in its 35-year history.

Independent wine shop owner runs Marathan de Sables for charity

Published: 08 April, 2015

An independent wine shop owner is hoping to raise money for charity by completing the notorious Marathon des Sables.

How California's pursuit of balance is now producing breakthrough wines

Published: 02 April, 2015

The 21^st century has seen a remarkable upsurge in the plantings of Pinot Noir throughout California, from a crush of 53,050 tons in 2000 to 248,469 in 2012. Concentrated on areas such as Sonoma, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Napa, and Mendocino, the upturn in the grape's fortunes has been matched by quality. The Sideways effect is much cited, but more important has been the discovery of sites, often near the coast, suited to this difficult grape variety and a different approach from the traditional Californian style of fruity, jammy Pinot.