Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

New head announced by New Zealand Winegrowers

Published: 30 March, 2026

Anishka Jelicich has been appointed as the new CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW).

The rise of white Rioja

Published: 20 March, 2026

Exclamations of ¡Un vinazo! resounded into the evening at last week’s third annual edition of the ‘The Best of Rioja’ tasting held in London (9 March), with on-trend Rioja blanco stealing much of the limelight.

Salon discussion: Sustainability and the Italian Winescape

Published: 13 March, 2026

In partnership with the Real Italian Wine & Food Experience, part of the Wines Experience (WE) global series, by United Experience

Don't mention the drinks

Published: 25 February, 2026

In the wake of Michelin’s new Grapes distinction, Eloise Feilden asks why restaurant critics more generally are often drinks list-blind.

New EU wine policy framework sees impressive sustainability support

Published: 23 February, 2026

The European Council has today (23 February) announced a “modernised policy framework” to support the EU wine industry. The legislation covers a raft of measures including enhanced sustainability support, new no-alcohol wine definitions and updated labelling practices.

Jerry Lockspeiser: 10 questions that bedevil the wine sector

Published: 19 February, 2026

One grey February morning our tasting team were ploughing through a bench of wines. Our task was a familiar one to many Harpers readers – to decide which, if any, might be suitable to add to our range.

Wine Paris hits international stride as numbers continue to grow

Published: 16 February, 2026

Wine Paris took a further step in establishing itself as the premier Wine and Spirits exhibition last week (7-11 February), with both visitors and exhibitors exceeding last year’s record-setting numbers.

Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits sales grow by 12%

Published: 03 February, 2026

Sotheby’s annual sales in the Wine & Spirits category for 2025 totalled $127.5m – a rise of almost 12% on last year – the fourth-highest annual total since the department was founded in 1970.

WSTA asks government to end ‘doom loop’ as duty to rise

Published: 31 January, 2026

The WSTA has called on the government to end the “doom loop” caused by its decision to continue to increase alcohol duty at the last Budget (as Harpers reported).

Journey's End unveils significant rebrand

Published: 19 January, 2026

South African producer Journey's End will henceforth be known as Gabb Family Wines, retaining the original name for its flagship estate in Stellenbosch.

50 Best Indies 2026: Watch the Top 10 reveal

Published: 09 January, 2026

Last week (5-9 January) we released our 50 Best Indies 2026 results day by day, celebrating the leading UK wine and spirits merchants as we revealed those placed from 50-11.

50 Best Indies 2026 ranking: 20-11 revealed

Published: 08 January, 2026

This week marks the release of our 50 Best Indies 2026 results, celebrating the leading wine and spirits merchants from across the UK.

50 Best Indies 2026 ranking: 29-21 revealed

Published: 07 January, 2026

This week marks the release of our 50 Best Indies 2026 results, celebrating the leading wine and spirits merchants from across the UK.

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.

Friday read: Macedonia’s Balkan stallion and more besides

Published: 19 December, 2025

North Macedonia, sited in the landlocked and southernmost section of the Balkan Peninsula is bisected by the Vardar River and also a territory swept by winds from several directions. The southerly latitude and rugged, relatively denuded landscape of Povardarie, its primary growing region, offer challenges of excess heat, lack of biodiversity and shade. With accelerating climate shifts, combatting hydric stress also requires attention. Thankfully, these conditions help with the historical preference for full-flavoured reds while supporting early harvested versions of aromatic whites.

Italy’s entire food culture gains UNESCO listing

Published: 11 December, 2025

Italy’s cuisine has been recognised with a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage listing, with its diverse wines deemed a part of that rich gastronomic fabric.

WSTA highlights cost of Budget to drinks trade

Published: 27 November, 2025

In the wake of the Budget, the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has released a table (below) revealing just how much the duty increases will impact prices for the consumer, further dampening demand for wines and spirits.

HMRC ‘sin taxes’ revenues down by 35% over last decade

Published: 17 November, 2025

HMRC take from the so-called ‘sin taxes’, comprising alcohol, tobacco and gambling, have continued on a downward trajectory, having fallen 35% in the last decade, according to research by leading accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young.

Record participants drive strong 165th Hospice de Beaune Auction

Published: 17 November, 2025

Sotheby’s has reported a record number of registrants for the 165th Hospice de Beaune Auction, with the final hammer coming down yesterday (16 November) to deliver a total of €18,754,670 raised by the historic charity auction.

Global wine sales set to drop -2.4% in 2025

Published: 13 November, 2025

Alcohol data and insights company IWSR has forecasted a -2.4% decline in global wine volume sales for 2025. This plays out against the background of a predicted -0.4% fall in global beverage alcohol volume sales for the year.