Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

The Oxford Wine Company officially leaves Vindependents

Published: 20 February, 2018

The Oxford Wine Company has officially left Vindependents.

Following immersion in Riesling Downunder, Sarah Ahmed explores the variety’s potential in the UK

Published: 19 February, 2018

If the recent Riesling Riot was a litmus test, then Riesling is clearly starting to attract the cool crowd in Australia.

Vinisud reveals plans to form half of global cool and warm climate hub

Published: 19 February, 2018

Vinisud has revealed ambitious plans to establish itself as one part of a global hub for international buyers looking for both cool and warm climate wines, as the fair plans to move to Paris next year.

Armit Wines releases Pieve Santa Restituta 2013

Published: 19 February, 2018

Armit Wines has announced the 2013 release from Pieve Santa Restituta.

TWE declares war on Rush Rich and other ‘copycat operators’

Published: 16 February, 2018

Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) is embroiled in yet another legal challenge, this time against a label which it claims intentionally riffs off the look and feel of one of its flagship Australian brands.

Sparkling wine, Chile and premium spirits forecast to continue to buck UK downward consumption trend

Published: 15 February, 2018

The growth in sparkling wine, along with premium gin, rum and whisky, is set to continue beyond 2021, helping offset the impart on value sales of a 10-year decline in consumption.

WineGB unveils new branding and 2018 activity

Published: 15 February, 2018

Wines of Great Britain (WineGB) has unveiled its new branding following the merger of Vineyards Association (UKVA) and English Wine Producers (EWP), and the subsequent name change, last year.

The Wine Society CEO McMillan steps down

Published: 15 February, 2018

The Wine Society has announced its CEO of almost six years,Robin McMillan, will be stepping down at the end of this month.

Sir George Fistonich steps down as Villa Maria CEO after 55 years

Published: 14 February, 2018

Top New Zealand winery Villa Maria has a new CEO.

Sparkling sales continue to fizz in the UK

Published: 14 February, 2018

Sales of sparkling grew by 6% in volume and 9% in value in the off-trade last year, showing the popularity of the category continues to rise.

Newcomer Wines launches Central European wine fair

Published: 13 February, 2018

Newcomer Wines has revealed it is to hold its first UK fair to promote Central European wines.

Wine Intelligence predicts bright future for sparkling in China

Published: 13 February, 2018

Wine Intelligence has predicted sparkling wine consumption in China is poised to take off boosted by a wave of more affordable options.

Rathfinny reveals Sussex sparkling launch details

Published: 13 February, 2018

Rathfinny Estate has announced the highly anticipated launch of its first Sussex sparkling wines will take place at Somerset House in London on April 24th.

UK organic wine market back on track

Published: 12 February, 2018

Paused by the recession, the UK market for organic wine is back on track, boosted by millennials and their quest for healthier living, alongside consumers in general paying increasing attention to the origins of both food and drink.

Vinventions grows global market share as volumes rise

Published: 12 February, 2018

Wine closures specialist Vinventions has reported ‘considerable’ volume growth, delivering 2.7 billion closures in 2017 compared to 2.5 billion the previous year.

HB Clark launches Clark’s Crossing global range in latest addition to expanding wine portfolio

Published: 09 February, 2018

Yorkshire-based wholesaler HB Clark has boosted its portfolio of own and exclusive label wines with a newly developed global range called Clark’s Crossing Private Bin.

CIVB launches first Bordeaux Wine Month alongside PR shake-up

Published: 09 February, 2018

The official Bordeaux wine body has announced a number of initiatives lined up for the UK for 2018, including an official Bordeaux Wine Month to run in UK independents throughout the month of June.

Tim Atkin MW: Day Zero looms for South Africa

Published: 09 February, 2018

“Day Zero” sounds like the title of a dystopian disaster movie, starring Matt Damon or an ageing Bruce Willis perhaps. But what’s happening in South Africa right now has nothing to do with fantasy or fiction. On the contrary, it’s all too real. If you’ve not been reading the news from Cape Town recently, the city is about to run out of water. On January 18, the city’s mayor, Patricia de Lille, said that the “point of no return” had been reached and that, if things continue as they are with little or no rainfall, by April 12 (Day Zero), the taps will be turned off.