Independents - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Lea & Sandeman unveils new head buyer

Published: 23 September, 2026

Catherine Jaën MW has joined Lea & Sandeman as head of buying as the independent London merchant continues to invest in its fine wine division.

Liberty Off-Trade Report: 40% of independents have experienced sales growth

Published: 16 September, 2026

According to the second edition of Liberty Wines’ Independent Off-Trade Wine Report, 40% of independent merchants increased their sales between March 2024 and March 2026, with a quarter of indies growing sales by over 10%.

Importer Flint Wines launches first own-label English wine

Published: 14 September, 2026

Flint Wines has announced the launch of its first ever own-label English wine, the sparkling rosé Cedd.

Hannah Wilkins: ‘Looking Back, Forging Ahead’

Published: 08 September, 2026

In the penultimate Q&A in our stock-taking series, the co-owner of indie merchant Vineyards of Sherbourne talks the benefits of curiosity for authentic winemakers (and merchants), longevity in an increasingly difficult market, and even possible plans for a podcast.

Darren Willis: ‘Looking Back, Forging Ahead’

Published: 04 September, 2026

The owner of Bristol-based indie merchant Grape & Grind talks about the excitement of discovering new wines (especially in central and eastern Europe), upgrading his online business and the familiar pressures of geopolitics.

Winner of 31 Days of German Wine announced

Published: 02 September, 2026

Bristol- and Plymouth-based Le Vignoble has come out on top of Wines of Germany's 31 Days of German Wine promotion, achieving the highest score out of all participating merchants and restaurants.

Cru Wine: Andrea Marino set to be MD, leaving Petersham Cellar

Published: 01 September, 2026

International fine wine and rare spirits merchant Cru Wine has appointed Andrea Marino (pictured) as its new MD, following its three-year restructuring programme.

Indies: Direct imports bring sales opportunities

Published: 26 August, 2026

Much of the charm of independent retail is how it can humanise wine and spirits. Perusing the comparatively lifeless supermarket shelves, little can be grasped about the liquid in bottle beyond grape, grain, brand or region. Indies who tell stories of worldly winemakers and daring distillers can create new fans and loyal customers.

New Georgian wine month initiative to launch this October

Published: 05 August, 2026

Wines of Georgia UK is launching a new Georgian Wine Month initiative, inviting wine shops, restaurants and bars to take part in a celebration of the ancient winemaking country.

One week to go!: Nominate for UK’s 50 Best Indies

Published: 28 July, 2026

There is now just over one week until nominations for Harpers’ 50 Best Indies 2027 list close on 6 August.

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.

APCOR expands ‘cork harvest’ nationwide

Published: 26 June, 2026

The Portuguese Cork Association, APCOR has announced the nationwide expansion of The UK Cork Harvest – a cork recycling initiative that launched in London in May (as Harpers reported).

APCOR pushes cork’s sustainable credentials

Published: 06 May, 2026

The Portuguese Cork Association (APCOR) has revealed its UK communications campaign for 2026, designed to strengthen cork’s position as the “premium, future proof closure of choice”.

WineGB encourages indie retailers to support English Wine Week

Published: 01 May, 2026

WineGB is asking independent retailers across the country to take part in its English Wine Week campaign, which is returning for another year.

London cork recycling initiative announced

Published: 31 March, 2026

In partnership with Harpers, APCOR (the Portuguese Cork Association) is launching the first UK Cork Harvest, an initiative to promote cork recycling amongst independent retailers.

Oxford Wine Company splits operations

Published: 12 March, 2026

Independent merchant The Oxford Wine Company has announced that it is splitting the retail and wholesale sides of its business into separate companies.

Popular Welsh indie Cheers set to close Mumbles shop

Published: 09 March, 2026

Welsh indie stalwart Cheers Wine Merchants has announced it is closing its Mumbles shop the week beginning 16 March.

50 Best Indies 2026: The full list

Published: 09 January, 2026

Harpers once again presents our 50 Best Indies list, highlighting excellence in merchants across the UK drinks trade.

50 Best Indies 2026: Watch the Top 10 reveal

Published: 09 January, 2026

Last week (5-9 January) we released our 50 Best Indies 2026 results day by day, celebrating the leading UK wine and spirits merchants as we revealed those placed from 50-11.