Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Harpers Design Awards: Deadline extended to Monday 14 September

Published: 09 September, 2026

Submissions for the Harpers Design Awards 2026 have been extended to Monday 14 September, with just five days to go.

Premiere Napa Valley: Auction dips, but plaudits for 2024 vintage

Published: 23 February, 2026

The week-long celebration that is Premier Napa Valley saw $3 million being raised at its concluding auction on Friday (20 February), confirming the ongoing popularity of this charity fund-raiser.

Majestic hails best Christmas ever

Published: 20 January, 2026

Leading wine retailer Majestic Wine has announced that this Christmas trading period was the biggest in its 45-year history, reporting a 0.9% increase in total sales over the five weeks to 29th December 2025.

Jerry Lockspeiser: 2026 – Great leadership has never mattered more. Can we learn from Gareth Southgate?

Published: 13 January, 2026

2025 feels like one of those years many will have despatched with a loud “Good riddance”. It was undoubtedly tough for millions, the packed bars and restaurants of London and other urban centres notwithstanding. Its legacy suggests 2026 will be another marathon hill climb.

New commercial director to drive Society of Vintners growth

Published: 05 January, 2026

The Society of Vintners has hit the ground running in 2026, with the appointment of Claire Greenwood (pictured) as its first commercial director as of 5 January.

Nick Gillett: The spirit of 2026 – a cocktail of contradictions and thirst for value?

Published: 22 December, 2025

Looking back, 2025 was another stinker of a year for the spirits and hospitality industries; a rollercoaster ride punctuated by a bad business environment, consumers having less disposable income, and venues closing their doors at an unprecedented rate. With that out the way, it’s time to look ahead to 2026 – as we thoroughly cheer the fact that 2025 is over and done with. So, with just a dash of optimism and foresight, what will be pouring into our glasses and being enjoyed in-venue next year? I have a few ideas.

Bibendum and Matthew Clark unveil their 2026 on-trade predictions

Published: 15 December, 2025

Drinks distributors Bibendum and Matthew Clark (both under the C&C Group umbrella) have unveiled their 2026 predictions for the on-trade – both in terms of overall and wine-specific trends.

Wine Paris puts governments in sights as show hits new high

Published: 05 December, 2025

With record numbers of exhibitors signed up and record numbers of attendees also predicted to attend, Wine Paris has evolved its content for this year’s event to send a clear message on unfavourable government policies.