News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Champagne Cattier unveils on-trade partnership with Enotria

Published: 08 December, 2025

Champagne Cattier has announced a fresh on-trade partnership with distributor Enotria – beginning from January 2026.

AGW launches simplified Certified Regenerative standards

Published: 08 December, 2025

A Greener World (AGW), a nonprofit certification organisation, has launched an overhaul of its Certified Regenerative by AGW standard, making the requirements clearer and more user-friendly, while maintaining the rigour that lends it credibility.

Gen Z turning away from Dry Jan

Published: 08 December, 2025

New research from IWSR’s Bevtrac survey can reveal that Gen Z drinkers are showing less interest in ‘monthlong abstinence spells’ such as Dry January and Sober October.

Villa Maria reveals redesigned packaging

Published: 08 December, 2025

Villa Maria, the New Zealand wine producer, has revealed a packaging redesign comprising of a sustainable lightweight 390g glass bottle, along with a new label across its Private Bin and Cellar Selection ranges.

New London food and wine event to supersede Wines from Spain tasting

Published: 08 December, 2025

Spanish food and wine producers are to come together in London this February for a new event aimed at showcasing the gastronomic highs from the country.

Wine Paris puts governments in sights as show hits new high

Published: 05 December, 2025

With record numbers of exhibitors signed up and record numbers of attendees also predicted to attend, Wine Paris has evolved its content for this year’s event to send a clear message on unfavourable government policies.

Harpers Design Awards 2025 winners announced

Published: 05 December, 2025

In Harpers’ annual celebration of all things design, deserved winners demonstrate the best of packaging style and sophistication. Our Design Awards 2025 showcases innovation across drinks categories from canned wine curiosities to remarkable redesigns.

New CEO appointed at Direct Wines

Published: 05 December, 2025

Family-owned retailer Direct Wines Ltd – best known in the UK for Laithwaites and the Sunday Times Wine Club – has appointed Philippa Strub as the new group CEO.

SIBA issues open letter on Budget concerns

Published: 04 December, 2025

The Society of Independent Brewers & Associates (SIBA) has sent an open letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, expressing its “deep concern” that the hospitality sector was facing a “crisis of survival” after the recent Budget.

Pacific-rowers Macleans unveil unique Auchroisk charity bottling

Published: 04 December, 2025

The Maclean brothers – the recording-setting Pacific Ocean rowers – have unveiled a unique charity bottling to fundraise for clean water projects.

Report: Signs of stabilisation in the restaurant market

Published: 04 December, 2025

Lumina Intelligence – an insights company for food and drink brands – has released its Restaurant Market Report for 2025, revealing signs of increasing stability in the restaurant market after years of turmoil.

Ribera del Duero harvest: Abundant yield despite weather challenges

Published: 03 December, 2025

The Ribera del Duero DO has unveiled its results for the 2025 harvest. Although challenging weather and mildew marked the growing season, the resulting crop was the second most abundant in the past 10 years.

Michelin unveil 'Grapes' distinction for wine producers

Published: 03 December, 2025

Tire-manufacturer Michelin have announced that from 2026, the Michelin Guide will provide a new ‘Grape’ rating for wine producers, along with vineyard recommendations.

The Whisky Exchange: Derbyshire producer pips scotch for top gong

Published: 03 December, 2025

The Whisky Exchange has announced its whisky of the year 2026 with top prize going to Derbyshire’s White Peak Distillery. Their Wire Works Bourbon Cask fended off traditional heavyweights including Bowmore 15 Year Old and Glen Moray 18 Year Old to win.

Final call to support Blackbook Winery crowdfunder

Published: 03 December, 2025

London urban winery Blackbook has made a final call for help with its crowdfunding campaign, which opened last month.

Rioja: Region’s second largest co-op set to become LLC

Published: 03 December, 2025

Bodegas Sonsierra, the 500ha producer from the Rioja Alta’s San Vicente de la Sonsierra, is set to transition its ownership model from cooperative to limited liability company (LLC).

InterLoire releases 2025 harvest report

Published: 02 December, 2025

InterLoire, an interprofessional association for the Loire Valley, has released its 2025 harvest report.

Bibendum releases new Vinonomics graph following Budget

Published: 02 December, 2025

The premium wine distributor Bibendum has released a new ‘Vinonomics’ graph (pictured) which breaks down the different costs that make up the price of a bottle of wine, following the Autumn Budget.

Welsh Government begins process to appoint DMO

Published: 01 December, 2025

In a statement from Huw Irranca-Davies MS, the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, the Welsh Government has announced that it has begun the process of finding a Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) to run its Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).

WineCap sketches shifting fortunes of Bordeaux and Burgundy

Published: 01 December, 2025

Ahead of its End of Year Report, wine investment platform WineCap has published a fascinating insight into the shifting alignment of fine wine investment rivals Bordeaux and Burgundy.