Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Vins de Bordeaux gears up for spring with trade tasting series

Published: 30 April, 2018

Vins de Bordeaux has revealed it is launching a series of educational tastings especially created for wine trade professionals.

Provence 2017 wine production slumps 12% as quality rises

Published: 27 April, 2018

Wine output from Provence slumped by 12% or 21 million bottles in 2017 following harsh late frosts, according to the region’s winemakers.

Industry asked: how much drink is too much?

Published: 27 April, 2018

How much is too much? Are new rules needed to stop drinks brands implying their products can improve mood? Does the industry still use sexist imagery to advertise drinks?

English vine plantings to rise by up to 70% this year

Published: 27 April, 2018

Sales of English wine jumped by almost a third (31%) between 2015 and last year, according to a new survey of the country’s winemakers.

Rioja 2017 vintage scarce but ‘very good’

Published: 27 April, 2018

The Rioja 2017 vintage has been awarded an official ‘very good’ rating by the Rioja Control Board.

Cannabis: Bigger than craft

Published: 27 April, 2018

Experts are predicting that cannabis is going to be the next major challenge to wine and spirits, and is already appropriating the alcohol industry’s vernacular. Jo Gilbert reports

Taxi! Loire Valley Wines splashes out on black cab branding

Published: 26 April, 2018

The trade body that represents winemakers from the Loire Valley is gearing up for a marketing offensive in London in May.

Bloom & Wild begins posting ‘letterbox wine’

Published: 26 April, 2018

The company behind a plastic letterbox wine bottle that allows wine to be posted through drinkers’ doors has launched a partnership with a leading online florist.

Wine-Searcher CEO quits claiming ‘I never wanted the job’

Published: 26 April, 2018

The founder of online drinks database Wine-Searcher has stepped down as boss of the business claiming: “I never really wanted to be CEO in the first place.”

Berry Bros & Rudd opens first pop-up wine bar

Published: 26 April, 2018

Berry Bros & Rudd is to open its first ever pop-up wine bar for London Wine Week (LWW).

Castelnau launches second Hors Catégorie cuvée as it looks to double sales

Published: 25 April, 2018

Champagne Castelnau last night launched Hors Catégorie cuvée - the second prestige cuvée to be released as part of the premium collection.

If individuality, diversity and an artisanal approach are your thing, look no further than Washington’s medley of engaging wines, which today offer the modern list excitign points of difference. First, though, it's worth a glance at the winegrowing heritage in the state.

WSET reveals new and enhanced qualifications

Published: 25 April, 2018

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has improved its educational programme with a new spirits qualification in addition to enhancing two of its existing courses.

Dedicated Old World red wine subscription business launches

Published: 24 April, 2018

An online subscription wine club has been launched with a sole focus on Old World red wines.

Chapel Down wine sales soar

Published: 23 April, 2018

Chapel Down has reported a 20% increase in its wine sales alongside a 7% increase for its associated Curious Drinks beer and cider arm.

Kentish wineries partner with Visit Kent to launch wine tourism initiative

Published: 23 April, 2018

Seven Kentish wineries have partnered with Visit Kent to launch a new wine tourism initiative – The Wine Garden of England.

From Beirut to the Bosphorus

Published: 23 April, 2018

Turkey and Lebanon are perfectly placed to meet the growing thirst for individually minded lists, as Justin Keay reports

Armit Wines appoints new ‘head of London sales’

Published: 23 April, 2018

Armit Wines has appointed a new ‘head of London sales’ as part of a strategy to grow its customer base in the capital.

UK restaurants feeling the heat

Published: 20 April, 2018

Wine is struggling for attention in a UK restaurant sector experiencing a “perfect storm” of adverse trading conditions, according to a new report.

Michael Sager to launch new restaurant and bar concept

Published: 20 April, 2018

A new restaurant and bar called Fare Bar + Canteen, is set to open in London’s Clerkenwell, offering a 250-strong wine list and 30+ wines, beers and cocktail on tap.