Research: Domesticated grapevines introduced to Iberia over 2,000 years ago

A recent study has found that the oldest-known cultivated grape seeds in the Iberian peninsula – found in southern Spain – date to roughly 1000 BCE, and carry the genetic signatures of Easten Mediterranean cultivars.

Last call for Folding Sustainability into the Boardroom webinar

Harpers is diving into sustainability and how to positively impact boardroom culture during tomorrow’s webinar, taking place on Zoom from 10am to 11am.

Vine diversity project sketches path ahead for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

A plant breeding research project looking at how Sauvignon Blanc vines adapt to external stress in New Zealand could unlock the future potential for the grape when facing an increasingly ‘chaotic’ climate.

Ventoux whites look to climb new heights

The Ventoux region – home to the one of the most recognisable landmarks of the Tour de France – is leaning into its white production as it unveils its plans for growth in the UK.

Profile: Virgin’s positive mission

With his relaxed style and ample enthusiasm, Jay Wright certainly doesn’t fit the old stereotype of a wine trade CEO. As the boss of one of the more successful online retailers, though, he is clear about the vision and values that underpin the popularity of Virgin Wines. And much of that comes down to what he believes the company – and, by extension, the wider drinks trade – actually sells.

Nightjar gears up for a second round with Soho launch

Nightjar, the landmark speakeasy on Old Street is preparing to open its doors to a second site in Soho.

Absolut unveils new bottle design amid brand shakeup

Vodka brand Absolut has revealed a new bottle design and remixed flavoured range in what will be the brand’s biggest shake-up since its launch in 1979.

Jerry Lockspeiser: On Jeremy Clarkson, margins and the ‘middleman’ dog whistle

In case anyone missed it, Jeremy Clarkson has recently launched his own beer brand, Hawkstone. The lager is made with barley grown on his Cotswolds farm. Exposed to the workings of the supply chain, Clarkson was reportedly aghast at the difference between the £205 per tonne he received for his barley and the £580 paid by the brewers to the middleman.

Soapbox: Why 2021’s skills shortage could be the best thing to happen to the hospitality industry

For many workers in hospitality, it’s not only low pay, but aggression and isolation that are the norm. It’s time to change things, says Simon King, former operations director for Gordon Ramsay Group and co-owner of new Surrey gastropub The Victoria Oxshott.

Building a wine subscription model

The traditional wine club has gone online and re-emerged as a strong subscription proposition for businesses of all shapes and sizes, as Jo Gilbert reports from Harpers’ SITT panel discussion.

Long read: Ventoux…young blood, cool wines

Known worldwide as the ultimate back-breaker of the Tour de France, Mount Ventoux’s reputation has been growing in other ways in recent years, gradually sprouting a reputation as the place to watch for interesting cool climate wines from the Southern Rhône.

Jerry Lockspeiser: Lessons from the BrewDog affair

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently.” Warren Buffett

Bordeaux en primeur report 2020

Is 2020 another top Bordeaux vintage and what are the chances of a strong en primeur campaign after the success of the 2019s? Gavin Quinney, our man in Bordeaux, reports

Long Read: Accolade shakes up its global fine wine strategy

Second lockdown sounds ‘death knell’ for the ‘Ditch

Hanging Ditch, one of Manchester’s foremost independent businesses, has been forced to close due to the ongoing stress of the pandemic.

Talking team QB

Insight and innovation are threaded through Quintessential Brands’ DNA. Andrew Catchpole catches up with James Lousada and Neil Anderson to find out more

Distell reverses course on premium division

South African drinks giant Distell has shuttered its premium wine division Libertas Vineyards and Estates after little more than a year.

From L’Hotel to L’Atelier

Having cut their teeth at Hotel du Vin under the late, great Gerard Basset, Steve Pineau and Dimitri Mesnard have a slick operation in Brighton offering wine and Prohibition era-cocktails. Jo Gilbert caught up with the dynamic duo

Tim Atkin MW: Celebrating Creole

Compiling a list of the 10 best red and white grapes is an entertaining parlour game for consenting wine lovers. Should Chardonnay trump Riesling and Chenin Blanc? And what about Cabernet Sauvignon? Better or worse than Pinot Noir, Grenache or Nebbiolo? I’ve played this dozens of times around the world and the results differ more than you’d think. Yet some varieties never make the podium. There are more than 5,000 to choose from, but no one ever finds room for Aligoté, Dornfelder or Seyval Blanc.

Distell names new premium wine company

South African juggernaut Distell has officially announced the launch of its new premium wine division which will go by the name Libertas Vineyards and Estates.