Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Soapbox: Battling the behemoths

Published: 17 November, 2022

Nick Gillett, MD of Mangrove UK, on the uphill battle smaller brands face with ever more powerful players dominating the industry.

Alpha Omega At Frog by Adam Handling

Published: 16 November, 2022

Alpha Omega At Frog by Adam Handling

Alternative formats group publishes open letter to government

Published: 07 November, 2022

A group which advocates for the rapid use and adoption of alternative wine formats, has published an open letter from the industry to the government, calling for the introduction of consumer tax incentives for carbon-friendly alternative packaging.

Nick Gillett: Regulating spirits – a system with no sense

Published: 02 November, 2022

I like to think I’m a man with common sense. Yet, when I look at the stifling, strangling system of regulations we face as an industry in the UK, I see absolutely zero of it.

Ventoux whites look to climb new heights

Published: 27 October, 2022

The Ventoux region – home to the one of the most recognisable landmarks of the Tour de France – is leaning into its white production as it unveils its plans for growth in the UK.

Teetotal PM headed for No. 10

Published: 24 October, 2022

It’s likely that alcohol will play little to no role in the celebrations in the Sunak household this evening, as the UK prepares for a new – and perhaps its first ever teetotal Prime Minster – in Number 10.

Energy support extension revealed for businesses

Published: 12 October, 2022

The industry has welcomed the news that government will expand its help for businesses with their energy bills, with subsidies set to cover contracts going back to December 2021.

Sud de France – register now

Published: 07 October, 2022

Registrations are now open for the Sud de France Top 100 Discovery tasting – Part II – where members of the trade are invited to meet producers and winemakers.

Vranken-Pommery tests the waters of vine density in English ‘trials’

Published: 07 October, 2022

Vranken-Pommery’s English wine ‘trials’ at its Pinglestone Estate in Hampshire could prompt viticulture changes in Champagne, the house has said, with Pinglestone being used as a ‘laboratory’ where findings on lowering vine density could be taken across the Channel.

Armit welcomes new agencies from the southern Rhône

Published: 03 October, 2022

Armit Wines, renowned for its strong Italian portfolio, has signed an agreement to represent to Domaine le Prieuré des Papes and Domaine de la Pousterle in the UK.

Gosset Matchmakers 2022 winners announced

Published: 30 September, 2022

A chef and sommelier team from Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester has been crowned the winners of Gosset Matchmakers 2022, beating out tough competition from peers in Hampshire and Edinburgh.

Pernod predicts return to form for Christmas spirit(s)

Published: 30 September, 2022

Pernod Ricard is banking on the return of a pre-pandemic Christmas atmosphere this year, with its festive campaigns revealing a heavy focus on leveraging treating behaviours amid a tense economy, bouyed by the world cup.

Hospitality insolvencies jump 59%

Published: 20 September, 2022

The latest insolvency figures show just how hard the hospitality industry has been affected by the cost-of-living crisis and soaring energy bills, with pubs, bars and restaurants some of the worst hit among UK businesses.

Profile: Virgin’s positive mission

Published: 20 September, 2022

With his relaxed style and ample enthusiasm, Jay Wright certainly doesn’t fit the old stereotype of a wine trade CEO. As the boss of one of the more successful online retailers, though, he is clear about the vision and values that underpin the popularity of Virgin Wines. And much of that comes down to what he believes the company – and, by extension, the wider drinks trade – actually sells.

Hambledon and Ridgeview up the ante for English wine tourism

Published: 12 September, 2022

Two of England’s leading wine estates, Hambledon and Ridgeview, are continuing to drive the development of wine tourism in England with ongoing investment in their hospitality facilities.

Relief for New Zealand's ‘severely depleted’ cellars

Published: 01 September, 2022

New Zealand has reported a healthier harvest and a boost for the country’s inflation-hit supply chain after 2022 delivered in terms of size.

Setúbal wines at SITT – a mandatory stop on Portugal’s wine map

Published: 19 August, 2022

The wines of the Setúbal Peninsula will take centre stage at the upcoming edition of SITT, where broadcaster and writer Joe Wadsack will lead a vinous journey into some of Portugal’s most locally celebrated wines.