Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

McLaren Vale edges towards sub-regional recognition

Published: 11 February, 2019

South Australia’s McLaren Vale has its sights on a geologically-focused demarcation of the region’s most distinct wine producing districts.

Portuguese wine is booming, says new report

Published: 08 February, 2019

The latest Wine Intelligence report on Portugal says the wine category in the country is growing “significantly” year on year, driven in part by a rise in tourism and “economic recovery after years of financial crisis”.

Wine Australia launches new website

Published: 08 February, 2019

Wine Australia has launcheda website to promote Australian wine.

The week that was

Published: 08 February, 2019

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, here’s a review of the top online news, analysis, opinions and features.

Opening minds on closures

Published: 08 February, 2019

Innovations in wine closures are coming thick and fast, driven by sustainability, convenience and quality control. Lisa Riley investigates their impact

Enotria opens up craft beer following major deals with Compass and Bidfood

Published: 07 February, 2019

Craft beer was one of the star attractions at Enotria’s latest annual portfolio tasting, as the pressure to diversify becomes stronger and stronger at the top level of distribution.

Q&A: Robin Copestick, co-managing director, Freixenet Copestick

Published: 07 February, 2019

It’s hard to overstate the impact that I Heart has had on the trajectory of Robin Copetsick’s business – formerly Copestick Murray and, as of January 1, Freixenet Copestick – and where it is today.

The Champagne Academy appoints new chair

Published: 06 February, 2019

The Champagne Academy has appointed Alice Archer as its new chair for 2019 taking over from Marcus Little.

IWC stickers boost sales by up to 700%

Published: 06 February, 2019

Bottles of wine labelled with foil stickers awarded by the International Wine Challenge (IWC) can sell seven times more than an identical bottle of wine with no sticker, a study by the IWC has revealed.

Deflecting the Brexit bomb

Published: 06 February, 2019

Counting Daphne’s, Scott’s, Sexy Fish, Caprice, the fast-growing Ivy Collection, J. Sheeky and Harry’s Bar among its swish restaurants and watering holes, Caprice Holdings can be seen as something of a barometer for trends sweeping through the premium on-trade. And the same can be said of the drinks offer, which morphs from cool cocktails to fine wines – and everything in between – across the various brands and estates.

Italian wine under investigation for diluting expensive wines with mediocre grapes

Published: 05 February, 2019

At least 50 Italian organisations related to wine production, including vineyards and bottling companies, are reported to be under investigation for diluting expensive wines with mediocre grapes.

Barefoot targets double digit growth in 2019

Published: 05 February, 2019

Barefoot has predicted double digit growth over the next twelve months, after Nielsen named it the biggest contributor to sales growth in the wine category.

Famille Helfrich reveals exclusive Calvet range for on-trade and indies

Published: 05 February, 2019

Famille Helfrich is poised to unveil a new Calvet range exclusively created and designed for the on-trade and independents.

CA Grands Crus sells two Bordeaux estates

Published: 04 February, 2019

CA Grand Crus has put two of its Bordeaux estates up for sale - Château Blaignan (Médoc) and Château La Tour de Mons (Margaux).

Bancroft Wines teams up with Château de Berne

Published: 04 February, 2019

Bancroft Wines is now the official agent for Château de Berne in the UK.

Oddbins slides into administration blaming Brexit and risking hundreds of jobs

Published: 04 February, 2019

Oddbins has gone into administration, putting 550 jobs in jeopardy.

WineGB celebrates ‘turning point’ on back of record 2018 vintage

Published: 01 February, 2019

The gathering momentum of the English and Welsh wine industry was much in evidence on Thursday night at a packed gala dinner at London’s Vintners’ Hall.

Chancellor’s wine hikes to go live at midnight

Published: 01 February, 2019

The wine industry is being warned to prepare for today’s rise in duty, which will push up a bottle of still wine by 7p to £2.23 overnight.

Berkmann appoints director of fine wine & private clients

Published: 30 January, 2019

Berkmann Wine Cellars has appointed Guillem Kerambrun to a newly created director of fine wine & private clients role.

TWE hires Tony Watson as commercial director for UK and Ireland

Published: 30 January, 2019

Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has appointed Tony Watson as commercial director for the UK and Ireland. It follows the promotion of Michelle Brampton to managing director, Europe in November.