SWA 2025: The Merchant and Producer Awards

The Sommelier Wine Awards 2025 results for the Merchant Awards and Producer Awards categories are now revealed, both online and in this month’s print edition of Harpers.

IARD: report highlights how social media giants promote responsible drinking

A new report from the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) has laid out how signatories to its Global Standards Coalition including the likes of TikTok and Google are promoting responsible drinking.

Georgian wine shows strong growth in UK supermarkets

Georgian wine has shown positive momentum in UK supermarkets, with a 200% sales increase seen at M&S in 2024 and increased distribution at Waitrose too.

Limited-edition bottle launched by Malfy Gin and Missoni

Malfy Gin and Missoni have unveiled the second launch of their collaboration – a limited-edition bottle of Malfy Originale Dry Gin designed by Missoni creative director Alberto Caliri.

Good Wine Good People announces crowdfunding initiative

Online wine retailer and wholesaler Good Wine Good People (GWGP) has announced a fresh crowdfunding round in a bid to expand the business.

Demand for Rhône whites grows as appellation diversifies offering

Rhône Valley white wines saw a 3% growth in demand in 2024 compared to 2023, with 5% growth seen compared to a three-year average.

Hallgarten & Novum Wines partners with Champagne Gosset

Hallgarten & Novum Wines has entered a strategic partnership with Champagne Gosset, becoming the exclusive distributor of its portfolio to the UK hospitality and retail sectors.

Jennings Brewery reopens

Jennings Brewery in Cockermouth, Cumbria, is reopening on July 4 after two years, having been closed by Carlsberg Marston’s in 2022.

William Grant & Sons onboards iconic The Famous Grouse

Scotch whisky giant William Grant & Sons (WG&S) has added The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt brands to its portfolio.

Harpers Design Awards 2025 open for entries

The Harpers Design Awards 2025 are now open to all drinks brands and design agencies that want to shine a spotlight on the look and functionality of their products in a range of categories.

Boost to German portfolio at Bancroft Wines

EPR fees announced as joint statement laments changes

The delayed details of the official cost per tonne of glass as part of the government’s EPR scheme have been announced by DEFRA.

Wines of Chile re-elects Alfonso Underraga as president

Alfonso Underraga has been re-elected president of the Wines of Chile association for a further two years, building on the “commercial recovery” that was achieved in 2024.

Bonhams announces charity collaboration with Champagne Barons de Rotschild

London auction house Bonhams has announced a charity collaboration with Champagne Barons de Rotschild in honour of the house’s inaugural prestige cuvée, Le Grand Clos 2019.

Jancis Robinson MW welcomed as patron of RVF

Jancis Robinson MW has become a patron of the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation (RVF), a global non-profit comprising those working in the wine industry to help reverse climate change.

Friday read: Celebrating English Wine Week with Nyetimber library stock

Among the myriad events contributing to the countrywide festival that is English Wine Week (21-29 June), one in particular caught our eye at Harpers – an invite to join Nyetimber at 10 Greek Street for a dinner titled ‘Ageing with grace – how English Sparkling Wine is redefining vintage fizz’. An event aimed at normal wine-loving punters, it nonetheless promised an ‘opening of library of wines… featuring a curated selection of back vintages including Classic Cuvee NV, Classic Cuvee 2009, Classic Cuvee 2005, Blanc de Blancs 2016, and 1086 Prestige Cuvee 2010’. And this all matched with the very tasty tucker and relaxed dining vibe for which this standout Soho oasis is rightly known. So, we headed on down…

Study shows Gen Z no longer leading moderation charge

The latest Bevtrac survey from ISWR highlights that Gen Z are not rejecting alcohol any more than older consumers, with findings showing in some cases they may even be pushing back against moderation.

Paper cap and bottle from Absolut

Absolut Vodka has unveiled a paper-based cap and bottle duo as part of its Future Packaging Programme to create a fully biobased bottle.

KAM conference: Venues ignore low and no at their peril

At KAM’s Low & No: Drinking Differently conference yesterday (24 June), data from their latest insights report revealed that 37% of people have left on-trade venues early due to poor low and no options.

Symington expands oenotourism reach with new Porto venue

Symington Family Estates (SFE) has renovated a three-storey historical townhouse in the centre of Porto as a venue to merge Portuguese and British winemaking and hospitality.