News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Champagne announces yield adjustment for 2026 harvest

Published: 23 July, 2026

This year’s marketable yield for champagne has been set at 8,800 kg/ha – the equivalent of about 252 million bottles* of wine.

Tim Atkin elected chair of Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino

Published: 23 July, 2026

Wine writer and Harpers columnist Tim Atkin MW has been elected new chair of Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino (GOCV).

Gabb Family Wines appoints Julian Grubb in global expansion

Published: 23 July, 2026

South African producer Gabb Family Wines has announced the appointment of Julian Grubb to oversee its South American operations, as part of its global drive for growth.

Burnham grants pubs, clubs and music venues 20% rates cut

Published: 23 July, 2026

The government has announced that pubs, clubs and live music venues across England are set to receive a 20% business rates cut from April 2027.

Vintae completes acquisition of Bodegas Riojanas

Published: 22 July, 2026

Spanish wine group Vintae has announced its formal acquisition of Bodegas Riojanas, following a court-approved business restructuring plan.

Champagne Ayala unveils new GM

Published: 22 July, 2026

Cédric Roblet has been appointed general manager at Champagne Ayala, with effect from 14 September 2026.

Taylor's unveils game-changing lightweight bottle

Published: 22 July, 2026

Taylor's Port has introduced a redesigned bottle as part of a major sustainability drive - a vessel that is 24% lighter than its predecessor.

Court of Master Sommeliers welcomes six new members

Published: 22 July, 2026

The Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) has announced six new Master Sommeliers (MS) following the latest round of final examinations, held at Vienna's Grand Hotel in June.

Gérard Basset Foundation unveils 2026 Victims of Conflict Scholarships

Published: 21 July, 2026

The Gérard Basset Foundation has unveiled the awardees for its 2026 Artémis Domaines Golden Vines Victims of Conflict Scholarships. Two Ukrainian wine professionals are the recipients – sommelier Eleonora Kolieichik (pictured, left) and wine data specialist Anastasiia Igorevna Fedchenko (pictured, right).

Vintners’ Company announces Ian Harris as 531st master

Published: 21 July, 2026

Ian Harris MBE has been announced as the 531st master of the Worshipful Company of Vintners, marking the beginning of his year in the leadership role.

IWSC announces Portugal to host Global Wine Judging

Published: 20 July, 2026

The International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) has announced that Portugal will host the country’s first ever Global Wine Judging event.

Wine GB calls on government for duty relief at the cellar door

Published: 20 July, 2026

The annual Wine GB Conference late last week (16 July) called for more government support for the fast-growing sector, launching a ‘Wine Tourism Relief’ campaign, to help drive forward the development of cellar door business.

Hallgarten takes annual inclusivity programme to Scotland

Published: 20 July, 2026

Hallgarten & Novum Wines has announced that it is taking its fully-funded ‘Inclusivity in Wine’ WSET programme to Scotland for the first time. Twelve successful candidates will gain the opportunity to study for and complete the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines.

Nominations open for UK’s 50 Best Indies 2027

Published: 20 July, 2026

The trade can now nominate independent merchants for Harpers’ 50 Best Indies 2027 list.

Wine GB Awards: Langham gains top gong again

Published: 17 July, 2026

At this year’s buzzy Wine GB Awards at Borough’s 10 Union St, Langham Wine Estate once again showed itself as a leading light in English winemaking taking home four prizes including both Supreme Champion and Best Producer.

Friday read: Adding a touch of theatre to wine

Published: 17 July, 2026

Much is written about wine and food pairing, and only very occasionally do people go a little more off-piste and have some evident fun with complimentary music and wine suggestions. However, the opening of new wine bar iGOLI at House of Sisters Grimm in London is taking the latter idea to a new high.

Isle of Raasay and Feragaia secure new UK distribution partnership

Published: 17 July, 2026

Isle of Raasay Distillery – the Hebridean single malt Scotch whisky brand – has announced a distribution partnership with GHF, the brand development agency.

Berry Bros. & Rudd launches do-it-yourself cocktail kit

Published: 17 July, 2026

Berry Bros. & Rudd (BBR) has announced the launch of its new Pick ‘n’ Spritz cocktail kits, offering what it called “expertly crafted” spritz serves to be enjoyed at home.

Liv-ex: US buyers engaging with market as stability rises

Published: 16 July, 2026

Liv-ex has released its H2 2026 Wine Market Report, which suggests that US buyers have accounted for a growing share of purchasing in Q2, tending to purchase wines in its Fine Wine 1000 index above market price.