News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Matthew Jukes passes away

Published: 07 August, 2026

Influential UK wine writer Matthew Jukes died on Thursday (6 August) in Portugal, aged 58.

Wine GB ‘optimistic’ about 2026 harvest after heatwave summer

Published: 07 August, 2026

Wine GB has said that it is “optimistic” about the size and quality of the UK harvest, in response to speculation about this year’s crop.

Henry Sugden: 'Looking Back, Forging Ahead'

Published: 07 August, 2026

Henry Sugden, CEO of leading English contract-only winemaker Defined Wine, continues our Summer Q&A series with a bird’s eye view on the latest in the homegrown wine world.

Report: Global deaths attributable to alcohol fell significantly since 2010

Published: 06 August, 2026

A new report from the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) has found that globally, deaths linked to alcohol fell by over a quarter (26%) between 2010 and 2024.

Cult Wines: Selective wine market recovery takes hold

Published: 06 August, 2026

Fine wine ‘has stopped behaving as one market’, as it recovers from two years of decline, according to a new report from Cult Wines.

Last chance: Nominations for UK’s 50 Best Indies close today

Published: 07 August, 2026

Today (7 August) is the last chance for the trade to nominate merchants for Harpers' 50 Best Indies 2027 list.

El Reventón mourns damage to top San Gregorio vineyard

Published: 05 August, 2026

Gredos producer El Reventón has confirmed the extent of the damage to its San Gregorio vineyard following the horrific recent wildfires to the west of Madrid.

Heineken UK launches major regenerative barley programme

Published: 05 August, 2026

In a move that sends a strong signal of support for sustainable agriculture across the drinks world, Heineken UK has today announced a new regenerative malting barely programme.

Yalumba announces launch of 2026 Rare & Fine Collection

Published: 05 August, 2026

Barossa-based winery Yalumba has announced the global launch of its 2026 Rare & Fine Collection, led by The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2023, which will be available exclusively through The Wine Society in the UK from 19 August.

New Georgian wine month initiative to launch this October

Published: 05 August, 2026

Wines of Georgia UK is launching a new Georgian Wine Month initiative, inviting wine shops, restaurants and bars to take part in a celebration of the ancient winemaking country.

Kim Wilson: ‘Looking Back, Forging Ahead’

Published: 05 August, 2026

The MD and founder of North South Wines continues our Summer Q&A series with a typical ‘glass half full’ take on the drinks world.

Brindisa Tapas appoints Adrian Castro to new beverage director role

Published: 04 August, 2026

Spanish restaurant group Brindisa Tapas has announced the appointment of Adrian Castro to the newly created role of beverage director, in a move it called a “significant investment” in its drinks programme.

Finalists announced for the BIH spotlight awards

Published: 03 August, 2026

The annual Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH) Spotlight Awards – which recognise exceptional black and ethnic minority talent across the UK’s hospitality, food and drink sectors – has announced its finalists for this year.

Anishka Jelicich starts new role as New Zealand Winegrowers CEO

Published: 03 August, 2026

New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) has announced that Anishka Jelicich has begun her role as the trade body’s newest CEO.

Matthew Hennings: ‘Looking Back, Forging Ahead’

Published: 03 August, 2026

The MD of Hennings Wine Merchants kicks off our summer Q&A series, raising a glass to the people that bring resilience and dynamism to the drinks trade we all know and love.

Jascots: Freixenet Copestick sells merchant to Italy’s CDGH

Published: 03 August, 2026

Henkell Freixenet’s UK subsidiary Freixenet Copestick has announced that it is has sold Jascots Wine Merchants to Italian food and beverage company Compagnia del Gusto Holding (CDGH).

Registrations open for this year's Rioja Wine Month

Published: 03 August, 2026

Registration for the upcoming Rioja Wine Month 2026 is now open to businesses across the UK on- and off-trades.

Friday read: Hero of a thousand wine shelves

Published: 31 July, 2026

Philippe Guigal (pictured) is tying things up before escaping for his summer holiday. “Somebody said yesterday that I looked tired,” he says, “but I had tasted maybe 180 wines.” Among those, the Rhône producer assessed 35-40 samples – as every day of the year – for inclusion in his company E. Guigal’s basic red Côtes du Rhône blend.

Campari growth figures signal positive H1

Published: 31 July, 2026

Italian drinks giant Campari Group has unveiled its results for the first half of its financial year (the six months to end of June 2026), reaching organic net sales of €1.5bn which represents 2.7% growth for the period.

Domaine Lafage to inject €10 million following GICB acquistion

Published: 31 July, 2026

Roussillon producer Domaine Lafage has announced the acquisition of the Groupement Interproducteurs Collioure Banyuls (GICB) winegrowers’ organisaition, after the Perpignan court upheld the takeover earlier this week.