Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Louis Roederer acquires Burgundy’s Domaine Pierre Damoy

Published: 28 July, 2026

Champagne House Louis Roederer has acquired Burgundy’s Domaine Pierre Damoy which will now form part of the ‘Roederer Collection’.

Champagne announces yield adjustment for 2026 harvest

Published: 23 July, 2026

This year’s marketable yield for champagne has been set at 8,800 kg/ha – the equivalent of about 252 million bottles* of wine.

Champagne tackles the climate crisis

Published: 20 July, 2026

Rooted as it is in a long history of tradition, governed by strict production rules and regarded as a timeless symbol of wealth and luxury, Champagne’s relationship to innovation is probably not the first thing that springs to mind when the corks are popping. But the reality is that the region has been a pioneering force over the centuries in both the vineyards and the wineries, and probably never more so than now as it battles its worst enemy since phylloxera – climate change.

González Byass announces distribution partnership with G.H. Martel

Published: 08 June, 2026

González Byass UK has announced that it will be the UK distributor of G.H. Martel & Co’s well-known champagne brands G.H. Martel, Maison Vieille France and Cuvée Victoire from 1 July 2026.

Champagne Deutz joins MMD UK portfolio

Published: 04 June, 2026

Maisons Marques et Domaines has announced that it will be taking on UK distribution for Champagne Deutz from 1 July 2026.

Moët Hennessy announces long-term partnership with Silverstone

Published: 27 May, 2026

Moët Hennessy has announced a new long-term partnership with Silverstone (‘the home of the British Grand Prix’), with Moët & Chandon becoming its official champagne.

Grands Chais de France celebrates UK Crémant growth

Published: 22 May, 2026

Crémant has recently seen rapid growth in the UK, driven by value-led premiumisation and an increasing interest in regional exploration, according to producer Grands Chais de France (GCF).

Opinion: Gary Smith, CEO, MDCV UK

Published: 14 May, 2026

The English wine trade has reached a point of maturity that would have seemed unlikely just 20 years ago. English sparkling wine, produced using the traditional method, has secured critical acclaim, strong on-trade presence and a reputation for quality that now comfortably sits alongside champagne. That achievement should not be underestimated: it has validated English viticulture, attracted serious capital investment and helped build a premium image for the category.

Graft Wine adds Champagne Pertois-Moriset to its portfolio

Published: 09 April, 2026

Independent importer Graft Wine has announced the addition of third-generation family grower Champagne Pertois-Moriset to its portfolio.

Volume of champagne shipments to UK saw growth in 2025

Published: 08 April, 2026

The volume of champagne shipments to the UK grew by +1.9% in 2025 compared to 2024, according to figures from Comité Champagne.

Soapbox: Spirit of celebration

Published: 07 April, 2026

Speaking from Denomination’s NYC HQ, Hamish Campbell runs Andrew Catchpole through spirits’ need to ‘find their Champagne moment’.

Entries open for Ruinart Sommelier Challenge 2026

Published: 27 March, 2026

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

Laurent-Perrier gallops into partnership with Newbury Racecourse

Published: 02 March, 2026

Champagne house Laurent-Perrier and Berkshire’s Newbury Racecourse have unveiled a three-year partnership.

Champagne premiumisation: Growing discernment amongst consumers

Published: 13 February, 2026

On a pedestal it may often be placed, but even champagne is not immune to the trends enveloping the wine world. Overall, as a category, it continues to hold its position as a benchmark premium wine, remaining the fizz of choice for many private celebrations, high-end hospitality occasions and corporate events. But speak with leading brands, and the word ‘polarisation’ crops up severally, with a picture that somewhat mirrors that of still wine consumption. Shifts towards premium, more personal choices and ‘less but better’ appear to be defining choices when it comes to those celebratory occasions.

Bibendum: Sustainability focus as two sparkling producers added

Published: 06 February, 2026

Wine distributor Bibendum has unveiled two new sparkling producers on its portfolio. Grower champagne house Domaine Alexandre Bonnet joins alongside Prosecco estate Fidora.

Champagnes & Chateaux tap Richard Nunn for new role

Published: 14 January, 2026

Premium wine distributor Champagnes & Chateaux has announced that Richard Nunn will be appointed to the new role of off-trade key account manager. The well-known industry figure joins the company following 35 years with Louis Latour.

Fine wine: Château Rayas flies up Liv-ex Power 100 ranking

Published: 08 January, 2026

Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s Château Rayas rose 49 places to fifth place in Liv-ex’s annual Power 100 ranking. The 2025 list ranks the most “influential fine wine brands in the secondary market”, according to the trading platform.

WineCap reveals best-performing Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne wines of 2025

Published: 22 December, 2025

Wine investment platform WineCap has rounded off the year by revealing the best performing wines from the three most important wine regions globally (in terms of demand) – Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne.

Champagne Cattier launch: Premium on-trade ambitions for independent house

Published: 16 December, 2025

At Mayfair’s glitzy new Lilibet’s restaurant export director at Champagne Cattier, François Colas (pictured, centre) guided attendees through the producer’s range as well as its ambitions for the UK market, following its recent on-trade partnership with Enotria.