Festive fizz

Champagne may be facing a bumpy time in the UK but, as Christmas approaches, all signs are that sparkling wines without the famous French appellation attached to their label are in rude health and many retailers are pinning their hopes on bumper fizz sales this festive season.

Usain Bolt becomes "CEO" of top Champagne house

Usain Bolt has swapped winning for wines in a new partnership with one of France's largest Champagne producers.

How wine is adapting to suit a new generation

With technology opening up new possibilities, the trade is finding new ways of not only engaging with younger consumers but making them part of their business models too.

First M&S listing for Champagne Lanson

Marks & Spencer is to list Champagne Lanson for the first time with its award-winning Extra Age Brut NV gift box.

The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Wines and spirits continue to drive growth for LVMH amid luxury market slowdown

The wine and spirits division represented the second highest growth area for LVMH in its sales so far this year, with organic growth up 7%.

Champagne harvest "isn't all doom and gloom", says Bollinger

Champagne has had its fair share of challenges so far this year, with a slew of bad weather meaning that crop loss is as severe in some parts - as is the case in he Aube - according to Champagne Taittinger.

New British Champagne house claims to offer Champagne for the digital age

A British-based holding company is claiming to be the first major prospective champagne house to open since Nicholas Feuillatte in 1972.

The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

National Champagne Week a welcome boost for struggling category

The UK has been popping bubbly this week for National Champagne Week - a much needed boost for the category which has seen a slow down in growth over the past year.

Guy Woodward: Seven things I hate about the wine trade

The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Unprecedented weather has had "major impact" on Champagne economy

Frost, mildew and scalding weather in 2016 has had a "major impact" on Champagne, accounting for as much as 80% crop losses in one area before the harvest even began.

The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

English sparkling wine had its best summer yet, says Vivino

English sparkling wine hit an all time high in the UK this summer, according to wine app, Vivino.

National Champagne Week aiming to improve Champagne's approachability

National Champagne Week returns for the fourth time next month, aiming to bring the ever popular French fizz to a new audience.

Outrage as the London Annual Champagne Tasting is cancelled

The committee which organises the annual London event has announced that it will not be holding this year's tasting - and doesn't know when or if it will return to the UK.

French wine production expected to drop 8% for 2016 due to poor spring weather

French wine production is expected to decline 8% for the 2016 harvest following the damaging hailstorms and spring frost which hit several different areas across the country according to the French Minister of Agriculture Stéphane Le Foll.

Moët & Chandon release wines from "cooler" 2008 vintage

Moët & Chandon has released its Grand Vintage Blanc and Grand Vintage Rosé from the 2008 vintage.

IWC 2016 Results: 2016 Champion wine winners

Last night at the annual International Wine Challenge awards dinner in London, five wines were crowned Champions and one wine took home the Champion of Champions award, recognised as some of the top gongs in the industry.