News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Wine GB turns spotlight on wine tourism and retail

Published: 08 February, 2021

Wine GB has released its 2021 calendar of activities, revealing a strong focus on wine tourism and the retail sector.

Success for Manchester hybrid as prohibition notice is revoked

Published: 04 February, 2021

Blossom Street Social has been allowed to open again after a prohibition notice prevented the hybrid business from operating as a retail outlet.

Daou assembles dream team for Patrimony label

Published: 04 February, 2021

California’s Daou Family Estates has made four new hires in order to lead the advancement of its Patrimony Estate, including three former faces at Opus One.

Wales comes out top as “most sophisticated” UK wine nation

Published: 04 February, 2021

When it comes to buying wine, the Welsh are the most sophisticated while the English hunt for a bargain, according to data which aims to map the buying behaviours of UK drinkers.

Vivino plans further UK investment following “skyrocketing” 2020 growth

Published: 04 February, 2021

Wine app Vivino has unveiled plans for investment in one of its strongest markets, the UK, after revenues there increased 114% in just one year.

Long read: It’s time for a France re-think

Published: 04 February, 2021

Rowena Curlewis, CEO of drinks design specialist Denomination, tells us why she thinks French wine brands could afford to up the ‘badass’ design stakes when marketing overseas.

'Groundbreaking' research proves existence of terroir

Published: 03 February, 2021

The Catena Institute of Wine in Argentina has said that its own "groundbreaking" research “irrefutably” proves the existence of terroir and its persistence across vintages.

Rioja Wine UK unveils 2021 campaign

Published: 03 February, 2021

Rioja Wine UK has unveiled its marketing campaign for 2021, with a clear focus on the “exceptional quality” of the top end wines of the region.

Industry uncertain if Budget will bring duty relief

Published: 03 February, 2021

The drinks industry has voiced concern as to whether its calls for a cut, or another freeze on duty, will resonate with the government.

Aldi launches supermarket wine school

Published: 03 February, 2021

Aldi has launched a supermarket Wine School which it claims to be the 'UK’s first ever'.

Napa Valley Vintners launches auction of rare wines

Published: 03 February, 2021

The Napa Valley Vintners has brought together a collection of nearly 100 exclusive library wine lots for its inaugural Direct from the Cellar: Napa Valley Library Wine Auction.

UKH Scotland reiterates calls for support as Sturgeon says no easing of restrictions

Published: 03 February, 2021

The hospitality industry in Scotland is again calling for financial support as First Minister for Scotland Nicola Sturgeon revealed that there would be no easing of restrictions due to the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown.

UK demand for Oz wine up in wake of Covid and Brexit

Published: 03 February, 2021

Sales of Australian wine in the UK have been boosted since the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic and in the months leading up to Brexit, according to Wine Australia’s latest Export Report.

Business group calls for £35bn support package to prevent financial ‘oblivion’

Published: 02 February, 2021

The Independent Business Network (IBN) is the latest business group to call for financial help for the pub and restaurant sector in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Bampfield-backed Love Wine initiative launches SA fundraising tasting

Published: 02 February, 2021

Love Wine, co-founded by Richard Bampfield MW, has announced it is gearing up to hold a virtual fundraising tasting to raise funds for the South African wine industry.

Grocery BWS sales boom in January with hospitality lockdown

Published: 02 February, 2021

Alcohol sales in the grocery sector grew overall by 29% in January boosted by the closure of the on-trade sector with the Covid-19 lockdown.

California wine gets export push with $10m campaign

Published: 02 February, 2021

The California Wine Institute (CWI) is to launch a new global brand campaign called the “Golden State of Mind” to promote its wines internationally and boost export sales.

US Scotch whisky tariffs “unsustainable” as losses hit £500m

Published: 02 February, 2021

The impact of tariffs on Scotch whisky exports to the US is “unsustainable” as losses for the sector have hit £500m, according to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).

Vinpro pushes ahead with court case as SA alcohol ban lifted

Published: 02 February, 2021

Vinpro has welcomed last night’s announcement that the third alcohol ban on local liquor sales has been lifted, but said it would push ahead with the court application it launched in the Cape High Court last month to help save the beleaguered industry.

Absolut follows up 'paper' bottle launch with 60% recycled glass edition

Published: 01 February, 2021

Pernod Ricard’s flagship vodka brand, Absolut, has launched its latest limited-edition bottle made of 60% recycled glass, making it the brand’s most sustainable glass bottle to date.