Simpsons Wine Estate launches first wine

A Kent vineyard has launched its first wine after planting its first vines in 2014.

Santa Rita creates new UK business role

South American wine company Santa Rita Estates has created a new role to reinforce its “commitment” to the UK market.

Bellwether to tap ‘less but better’ trend

Bellwether Wines is hoping to tap the trend for drinking ‘less but better’ with a focus wines sitting in the ‘mid-price’ bracket in its 2017/18 portfolio.

Amber Beverage acquires stake in Cellar Trends

Amber Beverage Group has acquired a stake in Cellar Trends – a move that marks the Baltic company’s first entrance into the UK.

Innis & Gunn reveal rapid expansion plans

Independent Scottish craft brewer Innis & Gunn has announced a roster of new appointments as it plans to expand its reach into the rest of the UK and to new international markets.

New MD at Nicolas Feuillatte

The world’s third biggest Champagne brand has appointed a new managing director to lead the company into the future.

Diageo challenges £107m tax bill

HMRC has ordered spirits giant Diageo to pay a whopping tax bill of £107m as part of an investigation into ‘diverted profits’.

The week that was: Top news, Q&As and opinion

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Top Stories: Small to medium sized businesses showing dynamic growth included several prominent wine and spirits companies in a list compiled by the London Stock Exchange Group.

New head honcho for the LWF

Carmen appoints new winemaker

Chilean winery Viña Carmen has appointed a new winemaker – Emily Faulconer - as part of a strategy to ‘reinstate’ the value of the terroir.

Côtes du Rhône unveils ‘sophisticated’ UK push

Rhône Valley Vineyards has unveiled its 2017 Côtes du Rhône campaign

Berry Bros & Rudd reveals ‘accessible' own-label wine collection

Berry Bros & Rudd has launched a range of wines priced from £7.95 in a bid to provide greater accessibility.

Chapel Down, Lanchester Wines and Fever Tree named top SMEs

A number of key players in the drinks industry have been named in a list which celebrates the UK’s fastest growing small and medium sized businesses (SMEs).

Rio Ferdinand captains new Captain Morgan push

Diageo has signed ex-England football captain Rio Ferdinand to head up a new global TV campaign for the rum brand. 
The commercial, which kicks off today in the UK, features Ferdinand and brand ambassador Captain Morgan, and is focused on the former’s insatiable appetite for ‘fun and infectious’ humour. T

Champagne Castelnau reveals contemporary look

Castelnau has received a contemporary makeover as part of e new strategy to widen its appeal.

LWF event director to step down as new venue rumours circulate

Ooberstock secures on-trade I Heart Wines distribution deal

Online drinks distributor Ooberstock has signed a deal to become the official UK on-trade distributor of Copestick Murray’s I Heart Wines collection.

Show celebrating English bubbles to launch during London Wine Week

An English sparkling wine show is poised to make its debut during this year’s English Wine Week

Brexit panel debate set for LWF

Brexit and its impact on wine industry’s the flow of trade will take centre stage at this months’ London Wine Fair (LWF).

Volume dip for UK harvest

UK harvest production figures dipped in the past year, but 2016 was a “high quality” vintage year, according to data released today.