Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Chapel Down announces new cricket partnership

Published: 06 April, 2022

UK wine brand Chapel Down has been welcomed into the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) as its official sparkling wine.

Five minutes with Alex Hurley, London Cru

Published: 05 April, 2022

Jo Gilbert talks to the English wine innovator about how the past two years have helped to super-charge the category via London Cru, the Roberson Wines-owned urban winery.

Raising the flag for Argentina

Published: 01 April, 2022

Looking back on Malbec’s ascent, it has followed quite a remarkable trajectory, delivering for Argentina the kind of hero grape recognition that perhaps only New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc can rival. In most of its markets, though, Malbec has firmly embedded itself a couple of notches above entry-level, typically with only a handful of rarefied listings on a more premium perch. In some ways, it’s a story reminiscent of Rioja’s, with the wines providing ample pleasure, accessibility and quality for just a small number of pounds above the entry-level.

SA wine grape harvest passes halfway mark; promising wines underway

Published: 29 March, 2022

After a slow start, harvest is well underway as more than half of South Africa’s 2022 wine grape crop has already been taken in at cellars. The crop is still estimated to be smaller than in 2021 but larger than the five-year average.

Inaugural California List launched in London

Published: 25 March, 2022

The free-wheeling Golden State has taken a dip into the more stratified world of wine classification, unveiling its inaugural The California List in London amidst samples of some of its most famous and sought-after wines.

Georgia tasting to crown fast growth in UK

Published: 24 March, 2022

Wines of Georgia has confirmed dates for its 2022 press tastings against a backdrop of booming sales in the UK.

All change at Bodegas Cosme Palacio

Published: 23 March, 2022

Leading Rioja winery Cosme Palacio has announced a series of important changes at the firm, including new personnel, the launch of a white wine, and a label shakeup.

Benjamin Franchetti: Tuscany can prosper without indigenous varieties

Published: 23 March, 2022

The owner of Tenuta di Trinoro in southern Tuscany has spoken out in favour of international varieties, claiming that, in certain case, indigenous Italian grapes should play a subordinate role to imports.

Alternative formats: Fad or fixture?

Published: 23 March, 2022

James Lawrence asks if merchants are ready to carry the can with anything but the 75cl bottle.

‘Cool kids’ increasingly shaping global fine wine investment market

Published: 23 March, 2022

An “identity-conscious” demographic of wealthy Millennial buyers are becoming vital to the prosperity of the secondary wine market, according to a study released by Cult Wine Investment.

Harnessing Pays d’Oc IGP

Published: 22 March, 2022

Inviting a panel to taste and talk, Andrew Catchpole prompted a far-reaching exploration of the potential for southern France’s most versatile designation, in partnership with Pays d’Oc IGP.

Drinks industry welcomes new personnel in spring reshuffle

Published: 21 March, 2022

Several headline spirit businesses have announced new staff appointments in March, including the Cotswolds Distillery and Mangrove UK.

Round Table: Selling Central & Eastern Europe’s Appeal

Published: 18 March, 2022

The less discovered wines of central and eastern Europe offer a fantastic opportunity for UK buyers, but primarily at a more premium level.

Vinitaly Academy launches Buyer Program in the UK

Published: 15 March, 2022

Vinitaly International Academy, the educational arm of the Verona show which aims to showcase the breath and diversity of the Italian peninsula, is launching a brand new focus in the UK.

Profile: Neville Abraham, Liberty Wines

Published: 15 March, 2022

On the eve of a reshuffle at Liberty Wines, Andrew Catchpole catches up with outgoing chair and serial restaurateur Neville Abraham for his views on the trade

Wines from Spain Awards Return for 2022

Published: 14 March, 2022

After a two-year hiatus due to Covid, the first Wines from Spain Awards competition since 2019 will return this Spring to highlight the best Spanish wines available to the UK trade and press.

Growing thirst for Albariño to be backed by new campaign

Published: 11 March, 2022

The latest figures from DO Rias Baixas, Albariño’s home in ‘green’ north-western Iberia, show a 6.8% increase in volume and 14.8% jump in value sales in the UK in 2021 over the previous year, as the variety continues pull in the punters.

Producers, suppliers and experts invited to donate lots in auction for Ukraine

Published: 10 March, 2022

The UK wine world is pulling together to raise funds for Ukraine.

Online drinks sales growth cools, but remains far above pre-pandemic levels

Published: 10 March, 2022

Online sales of alcoholic drinks fell -18.5% YoY in the UK in February 2022, though nudged up 9.4% against those in the typically slow first month of January.