Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Spike in online searches for English wine

Published: 10 June, 2020

Online searches for English wine boomed as the UK headed into lockdown, according to new research.

Wine GB calls on trade to get behind virtual English Wine Week

Published: 05 June, 2020

Wine GB has called on the trade to get behind its newly launched virtual format of English Wine Week, which will take place from 20 to 28 June.

Winetraders adds first Portuguese producer

Published: 04 June, 2020

Winetraders has added Quinta da Pedra Alta to its portfolio, marking the company’s first Portuguese producer.

Wine GB unveils new initiative to support UK producers

Published: 30 April, 2020

Wine GB has unveiled a new initiative aimed at boosting sales of English and Welsh wines to help producers and growers hit by the lack of cellar door sales and the on-trade closure.

English wine initiative reaches 13 million consumers

Published: 17 April, 2020

The #theBIGenglishwinegoodfriday initiative has been hailed an "unmitigated success" by English and Welsh wineries, reaching 13 million consumers.

Wine tourism website launches online wine shop to help during coronavirus

Published: 05 April, 2020

Wine Cellar Door, the website set up to help people find visitor-friendly vineyards in the UK, has launched an online wine shop.

Black Chalk tweet evolves into support initiative for English wine industry

Published: 03 April, 2020

Black Chalk winemaker Jacob Leadley has inadvertently started a support initiative for the English wine industry.

Chapel Down says “very well placed” to weather the crisis but temporarily stops beer production

Published: 01 April, 2020

Chapel Down has said it believes it is “very well placed to weather the crisis and thrive in the aftermath”, but has temporarily closed its beer and cider arm, Curious Brewery.

Ridgeview supports Hospitality Action

Published: 26 March, 2020

Ridgeview has pledged to support Hospitality Action via a new initiative that will see the Sussex winery donate £2 for every bottle of its sparkling wine sold online to the charity.

Hambledon switches from FM&V to Mentzendorff as it looks to ramp up distribution

Published: 28 February, 2020

Hambledon Vineyards and Fields, Morris & Verdin (FM&V) have revealed plans to part ways as the English sparkling wine producer seeks to ramp up its UK distribution.

Fox & Fox renews focus and steps up production

Published: 14 February, 2020

Fox & Fox has announced plans to double its capacity as part of a new strategy to focus expressly on "wine making and marketing".

Langham winemaker leaves to establish sustainable winery

Published: 07 February, 2020

The head winemaker at Dorset winery Langham Estate has branched out on his own to embark on a sustainable winemaking venture.

Hattingley secures £7.5m finance facility

Published: 28 January, 2020

Hattingley Valley has secured a £7.5m finance facility from PNC Business Credit to support its continued growth plans.

WineGB to exhibit as ‘major generic body’ at LWF

Published: 27 January, 2020

WineGB has announced it will exhibit at this year’s London Wine Fair (LWF) as a major generic body for the first time.

Looking back on a decade - Part two

Published: 24 January, 2020

2010-2020 delivered incredible change on both a domestic and an international level. The Harpers team peers back at some of the key stories that continue to shape today’s trade

Mannnings Heath reveals new winery plans

Published: 21 January, 2020

Mannings Heath Golf and Wine Estate has proposed plans to build a winery, tasting room and restaurant on its 500-acre West Sussex site.

Gusbourne expands global reach

Published: 19 December, 2019

Gusbourne has announced it is extending its global reach with new distribution partners in seven countries from the start of 2020.

Aldi picks Lyme Bay for first own-brand English fizz

Published: 09 December, 2019

Aldi has chosen the Dorset-based Lyme Bay Winery to produce an English sparkling wine for its premium ‘Exquisite Collection’.

IWC awards English red gold for the first time

Published: 28 November, 2019

Kent’s Hush Heath has been awarded a gold medal by the International Wine Challenge (IWC) for its The Red Miller 2018 red wine, marking the first time an English red has claimed the top award.

Specialist Indies talk shop and more...

Published: 13 November, 2019

Independent wine merchants are specialist retailers in their own right offering a service, range and expertise that more general retailers, such as grocers, will always struggle to match.