News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Sogrape: Sandeman and Porto Ferreira join raft of vintage port declarations

Published: 08 June, 2026

Portuguese wine giant Sogrape’s two leading port houses – Sandeman and Porto Ferreira – have both declared 2024 vintage ports.

Fresh dates announced for SITT Autumn 2026

Published: 08 June, 2026

Registration for the Autumn edition of the Specialist Importers Trade Tasting (SITT) is now open, with the event set to take place on 21 September in London and 23 September in Manchester.

Nick Gillett: Filling the glass for the next generation

Published: 08 June, 2026

UK hospitality is battered. Three venues closing every day, employment costs spiralling, a government that piles on venues and an industry it should be protecting. In that environment it's hardly surprising that interest in and investment into hospitality career paths is at an all-time low. And yet, I'd argue that cutting investment in people is precisely the wrong response during challenging times.

Spanish wine celebrates UK success as new Caballeros inducted

Published: 05 June, 2026

Three industry heavyweights have been welcomed into the Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino, recognised for their landmark contribution to Spanish wine.

The Wine Society embraces AI-powered recommendations

Published: 05 June, 2026

Online retailer The Wine Society has announced a new partnership with Preferabli, an AI-driven "B2B2C product discovery and recommendation software for sensory consumer products and experiences".

VAT cut campaign passes significant milestone

Published: 05 June, 2026

A campaign to cut VAT for the hospitality sector to 10% has already garnered massive support, with more than 10,000 people signing the #VATsTheProblem petition within 72 hours of its launch.

Flint welcomes several leading Cape producers

Published: 04 June, 2026

London merchant Flint Wines has added 11 South African wine brands to the range, supported by a new partnership with specialist importer Dreyfus Ashby.

TWE announces major portfolio overhaul

Published: 04 June, 2026

Multinational Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has unveiled plans to streamline its portfolio from 76 brands to fewer than 30 over the coming years, with a renewed focus on luxury labels, lighter styles and no/low-alcohol categories.

Champagne Deutz joins MMD UK portfolio

Published: 04 June, 2026

Maisons Marques et Domaines has announced that it will be taking on UK distribution for Champagne Deutz from 1 July 2026.

González Byass unveils historic Jerez bottle library at Christie’s

Published: 03 June, 2026

González Byass has announced that it will be opening the doors of its historic Jerez bottle library through prestigious auction house Christie’s.

Exchange for Change announces DRS fees for return point operators

Published: 03 June, 2026

Exchange For Change has confirmed the fees to be paid to return point operators under the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

OurWhisky Foundation course for women’s career development begins 2026 programme

Published: 02 June, 2026

The Atonia Programme – a professional development course for women and non-binary people in the whisky industry run by the OurWhisky Foundation – has begun its 2026 edition.

Familia Torres earns B Corp certification

Published: 02 June, 2026

Familia Torres’ wineries in Spain and Chile have been awarded B Corp certification, acknowledging that the business meets the certificate’s criteria for social and environmental performance, transparency and legal accountability.

Campaign to cut hospitality VAT to 10% spearheaded by Tom Kerridge

Published: 02 June, 2026

Chef and publican Tom Kerridge is urging the hospitality industry to sign a new petition backing VATsTheProblem – a campaign to cut VAT for the sector to 10%.

Vinos de Albariza firmly on course to gain DO status

Published: 01 June, 2026

The growing number of quality still wines from the famous chalky-white marine soils of Jerez are all but confirmed to achieve DO status, pending final approval from the EU.

Alliance Wine partners with Western Cape producer Blankbottle

Published: 01 June, 2026

Alliance Wine has taken on exclusive UK distribution of well-known South African winery Blankbottle.

Adaptogenic drinks brand partners with Harpers’ Top 50 Drinks Wholesaler

Published: 01 June, 2026

Adaptogenic non-alcoholic spirits brand Nazcal has announced a distribution partnership with Inn Express, one of Harpers’ Top 50 Drinks Wholesalers.

Call out for Top 50 Sommeliers nominations

Published: 01 June, 2026

Nominations are open for Harpers Top 50 Sommeliers 2026 listing, with all in the UK drinks world invited to propose candidates for consideration.

Port wine festival to hold inaugural UK event in June

Published: 29 May, 2026

The Association of Port Wine Companies (AEVP) has announced a new edition of its Port Wine Fest – a Festival of Portuguese Wines, which will take place in London on 18 June – the first time the event will be held in the UK.

Australia’s Endeavour to slash wine production amid asset sell-off

Published: 29 May, 2026

Australian drinks retailing giant Endeavour Group has announced that it is set to reduce its grape production by 80%. It will also close four of its seven wineries as well as a packaging facility, while selling the vineyards and assets of three key premium brands.