Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Plumpton launches nationwide viticultural apprentice scheme

Published: 18 September, 2019

Plumpton College is looking for UK wine producers to take part in the pilot group for its first nationwide viticultural apprenticeship.

Consorzio Doc delle Venezie reports ‘marked declining’ but ’well-balanced’ vintage

Published: 18 September, 2019

Consorzio Doc delle Venezie has reported a good start to the 2019 harvest with a well-balanced, but reduced, crop of grapes on the Pinot Grigio vines.

Santa Rita renews partnership with the IMW

Published: 18 September, 2019

Santa Rita Estates (SRE) has announced it will continue to form part of the Institute of Master of Wine’s (IMW) international supporter community for a further three years.

Organic sparkling wine DO move sparks new Cava rift

Published: 17 September, 2019

Corpinnat and Classic Penedès producers in Catalonia have joined forces in a bid to create the world’s first certified organic sparkling wine Denominación de Origen (DO-PDO).

My perfect customer: Emily Silva, The Oxford Wine Company

Published: 17 September, 2019

How would you describe your customer base?

Gastro pubs: The challenges and joys of getting a pub wine list right

Published: 17 September, 2019

With the vast majority of pubs in the UK part of a chain where buying decisions on everything from beer and wine to crisps and peanuts are sanctioned by the chain’s owners, it can be very hard for wine merchants and importers to get an in, especially on the ground rather than in a boardroom setting.

Cider is Wine alliance gains momentum with new member

Published: 17 September, 2019

Cider is Wine, the new trade alliance that aims to create a “global cider category” made from 100% apples (or pears for perry) has gained a new member.

Solid BWS and pre-mixed performance boost grocery sales

Published: 17 September, 2019

Sales at UK supermarkets were up 2.2% in the last four weeks compared to the same period last year boosted not only by the August Bank Holiday heatwave but also by a solid BWS and pre-mixed alcoholic drinks performance, according to Nielsen.

Bibendum adds host of wines

Published: 17 September, 2019

Bibendum has expanded its on-trade portfolio with a selection of wines from England, New Zealand, Italy, Greece and Uruguay.

New global buying hub will see Aldi pool its resources across Europe

Published: 16 September, 2019

Aldi has revealed additional details of its latest move to create a wine-buying hub in Salzburg, Austria, which will have a major impact on the way the discounter buys, blends and sells wines across markets.

Cider aligns with wine

Published: 16 September, 2019

A new association aiming to promote cider’s quality credentials is putting it side-by-side with wine. Jo Gilbert looks at how it holds up

Weeklong celebration of Japanese exports heads to London

Published: 16 September, 2019

Japan Week is launching in London next week, giving a spotlight to the uptick of Japanese wines, spirits and sakes across the capital.

Journey’s End sets sights on number one premium slot in UK

Published: 16 September, 2019

South African estate Journey’s End has ambitious plans to become the leading premium South African label in the UK and to do so via the traditionally tough to crack on-trade.

Hallgarten boosts portfolio with Chilean and Oz producers

Published: 13 September, 2019

Hallgarten & Novum Wines has expanded its portfolio with two new producers - Chile’s Undurraga and Australia’s Tahbilk.

Amathus's inaugural tasting puts spotlight on ambitious plans to double its wine portfolio

Published: 13 September, 2019

Amathus Drinks held its first stand alone tasting of recent times this week to highlight what has been a major push into the wine category for the traditionally spirits-led company over the past few years.

Agustín Trapero on Cebreros DOP: when the terruño talks

Published: 13 September, 2019

Head sommelier and consultant Agustín Trapero dips into one of Spain’s most promising new DOPs.

Guy Woodward: Chasing rainbows

Published: 13 September, 2019

Louis Roederer International Wine Columnist of the Year 2018

Provence harvest off to a ‘promising’ start

Published: 12 September, 2019

Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins de Provence (CIVP) has announced a “promising start” to the harvest season across Côtes de Provence, Coteaux Varois en Provence and Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence.

Run Bacchus racks up £6,500 and counting for The Benevolent

Published: 12 September, 2019

Thirty members of the trade are celebrating a winning fundraising effort for the UK’s drinks charity.

WSTA welcomes move to reinstate duty free for travellers

Published: 11 September, 2019

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has welcomed the Chancellor’s plan to reinstate duty-free for travellers moving between the UK and the EU in the event of a no deal Brexit.