Luvian’s St Andrews' Archie McDiarmid blogs from Sauvignon Blanc Celebration in Marlborough

Haere Mai, as they say in Marlborough, and welcome to Sauvignon 2019, the world’s biggest celebration of – arguably - the most popular and least well-understood grape variety around.

Oddbins set for administration

Oddbins is reportedly poised to enter administration, putting more than 500 jobs at risk.

Mr Lyan announces big plans

The team behind venues such as White Lyan, Cub, and current World’s Best Bar, Dandelyan, have revealed even more ambitious plans for 2019.

Hungary calls on on-trade for Furmint February

As part of the first Furmint February to be held in the UK, participating on-trade and independent retailers have the chance of winning a trip to Hungary.

UK still ‘litmus test’ as global benchmark for wine brands

The UK market continues to be the shop window for the world of wine, with the on-trade driving premium sales. 

Chaîne des Rôtisseurs GB announces the Gerard Basset Tasting Trophy

The British branch of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs has launched a new award for its Young Sommelier Competition in honour of Gerard Basset MS, MW, OBE, who lost his battle with cancer and passed away on 17 January.

LWF introduces charges for attendees in 2019

M Restaurant pop-up to tackle sex trafficking and modern day slavery

A pop-up restaurant will open for a fortnight to raise funds to fight human trafficking and exploitation.

London Distillery Company continues Asia expansion

Increasing demand for British spirits in Asia has seen The London Distillery Company sign several new deals to increase availability of its brands in the region.

Malux to launch Vida at Hungarian tasting

Hungarian food-and-wine wine specialists Malux are gearing up to launch four wines from Szekszard estate Vida at their upcoming trade tasting – including a Kadarka from rare 100-year-old vines.

The week that was

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, here’s a review of the top online news, analysis, opinions and features.

‘Perfect storm’ causes glass shortage and price hikes for UK wine industry

The UK wine industry is running out of glass, creating unprecedented price hikes for bottlers - and the situation is unlikely to be resolved before 2020.

Stannary St Wine Co appoints fine wine account manager

Stannary St Wine Co has expanded its team with the addition of Kim Suddens as fine wine account manager.

Charles Metcalfe to host The Benevolent Ball

The Benevolent has revealed Charles Metcalfe is to host The Benevolent Ball this year.

Gin boom sees England overtake Scotland in distillery numbers

The increasing popularity of gin has seen the number of distilleries in England nudge past Scotland for the first time, according to HMRC.

Hallgarten appoints new head of marketing

Hallgarten & Novum Wines has hired Colin Cameron in the newly created role of head of marketing.

Gerard Basset memoirs fully funded within days

The crowdfunding initiative to back the publication of the memoirs of Gerard Basset MS, MW, OBE seeks to set up a scholarship in his name as it reaches £14,000 target within days of launching.

Ruinart offers once in a lifetime trip to top UK sommelier

Time is running out to sign up for the Ruinart Sommelier Challenge 2019, which will result in one young UK-based sommelier heading on an all-expenses paid trip to Champagne.

Aussie backstop will safeguard Australian wine exports post-Brexit

Australia will continue to trade with the UK, its biggest export market by volume and third by value, on its current terms post-Brexit.

South Africa records export value growth but sliding volumes

The South African wine industry has recorded 4% growth in value exports to R9.06 billion in 2018, but volumes fell 6% due to the small size of recent vintages.