Events: A hybrid future

With a degree of normality beginning to return, Andrew Catchpole gets a taste of the tastings to come.

Fine Wines Direct UK adds Thorn-Clarke

Fine Wines Direct UK has signed an exclusive distribution deal with Barossa producer Thorn-Clarke Wines in the UK.

UKH: ‘DRS must be workable for hospitality'

Safety and space concerns, increased business costs and bureaucracy caused by the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) would place a disproportionate burden on many hospitality businesses, UK Hospitality (UKH) has said in response to the government’s proposal on the scheme.

Prentis promises to work with industry on certification and Brexit/Covid fallout

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has welcomed a “positive and productive” meeting with Victoria Prentis MP where she is said to have understood the “value” of the wine and spirits industry and vowed to work closely on rebuilding post-Brexit and Covid.

Association of Wine Educators announces new chairperson

The Association of Wine Educators (AWE), which brings together specialist wine educators from all over the UK and around the world, has announced Mandy Stevens as its new chairperson.

Adam Smith Institute calls out ‘Alice in Wonderland’ thinking on VI-1s

The Adam Smith Institute has added its voice to calls on government to reduce post-Brexit red tape for the wine trade, including scrapping the much derided and wholly unnecessary VI-1 forms.

Omar Allibhoy to deliver flavour of Spain for Barón de Ley

Spanish chef Omar Allibhoy has teamed up with Kingsland Drinks to “bring the essence of Spain” to the UK in a new campaign supporting Barón de Ley.

Sizing up Spain

Despite the twin pressures of Covid and Brexit, Spain’s wines have managed to stay in relatively good shape thanks to an uplift in off-trade sales. Andrew Catchpole reports.

Entries now open for Harpers Design Awards 2021

Harpers is delighted to announce that our Design Awards 2021 is now open for entries from all areas of the drinks industry.

Harpers Wine Stars 2022 now open for entries

Harpers Wine Stars 2022 is welcoming entries for this year’s competition.

‘First-day back’ sales see 25% uplift for bars and restaurants on 17 May

After five weeks of outdoor-only trading, CGA research has revealed a strong start to the week for managed groups as consumers make the most of being able to drink and eat indoors for the first time since December.

Long Read: A new script for wine writing

The Zoom option meant this year’s Symposium for Professional Wine Writers organised by Meadowood in Napa, California, attracted its largest number of attendees: 303. Typically about 24 have attended in person since the symposium launched in 2004.

First digital LWF "exceeds expectations" though numbers fall

Atkin awards first South American perfect score to wine from “best ever” Argentina vintage

Harpers columnist and UK wine writer Tim Atkin MW has given his seal of approval to the 2019 Argentinian vintage, which he says is “the best I’ve tasted” from the country.

Wine on the rise with younger consumers as on-trade returns

Younger consumers plan to spend more than before as they return to pubs and restaurants, and spend a larger slice of that money on wine.

Majestic broadens cider staples with Normandy listing

Majestic its broadening its cider portfolio with a pair of gluten free, vegan, no added sugar products from Normandy cider and Calvados producer, Sassy.

LWF: Time to bottle it on glass?

As carbon emissions and the broader topic of sustainability climb back up the agenda, one of the more forward-looking sessions at London Wine Fair (LWF) 2021 cut to the heart of the issue.

James Davis MW joins Henkell Freixenet

James Davis MW will be joining the Henkell Freixenet team in a newly created role from the first week of July.

Johnson delays definitive end of 1m rule

Boris Johnson has scrapped plans to announce a final deadline for the end of social distancing this month as the number of cases of the Indian Covid-19 variant leaps by 1,000 in just four days.

LWF: 'Fear of getting it wrong' is holding industry back on diversity

Trepidation around tokenism and not taking the right tack on issues of diversity and inclusion is stopping greater strides being taken in workplaces, it was said at this morning’s London Wine Fair (LWF) session on equal opportunities in the wine trade.