By Lisa Riley - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

King of cork Americo Amorim dies at the age of 82

Published: 17 July, 2017

America Amorim, whose family founded the Amorim natural cork empire, died on Thursday from unknown causes.

Wines from Rioja targets millenials at UK festivals

Published: 17 July, 2017

Wines from Rioja has extended its festival reach with the launch of a new Rioja Terrace at two major UK festivals this summer – Citadel and Wilderness.

Porn Star Martini gets poured into bottles

Published: 14 July, 2017

The creater of Porn Star Martini – mixologist Douglas Ankrah, has launched a bottled format of the popular cocktail.

Inver House Distillers promotes Martin Leonard to managing director

Published: 13 July, 2017

Inver House Distillers, the Scotch whisky subsidiary of global drinks business International Beverage Holdings, has appointed its current operations manager, Martin Leonard, to managing director.

Buying direct: Pros & cons

Published: 13 July, 2017

It can be a positive move, but there are issues to be weighed up before buying direct. Lisa Riley reports

English wine sales boom at Jascots

Published: 13 July, 2017

Jascots Wine Merchants has reported a 171% volume hike in its English wine sales.

Mannings Heath owner plans to create new West Sussex vineyard

Published: 13 July, 2017

The owner of Mannings Heath Golf Course & Wine Estate, Penny Streeter OBE, has expanded her West Sussex footprint with the acquisition of Leonardslee estate at Lower Beeding, near Horsham, for an undisclosed sum.

Aldi launches premium positioned value sake

Published: 13 July, 2017

Aldi has launched a traditional sake in a bid to tap the trend for Japanese food and culture in the UK.

Gin Mare brings Med Rooftop to London

Published: 06 July, 2017

Premium gin brand Gin Mare is offering those not able to escape the hustle and bustle of the city this summer a place to unwind with a Mediterranean-inspired rooftop pop up bar.

Bolney becomes first English magnum to be sold in John Lewis

Published: 06 July, 2017

Bolney Wine Estate has secured a listing with John Lewis for its Blanc de Blancs 2011 (75cl), Blanc de Blancs 2010 (150cl) and the Cuvée Rosé 2014, making it the first English magnum available from the department store.

The Wine Guild appoints Viscount Thurso as new Chancellor

Published: 06 July, 2017

The Wine Guild UK has appointed Viscount Thurso, Chairman of the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), as its new Chancellor.

Vindependents flying high

Published: 05 July, 2017

Two years after its inception, indie merchants buying group Vindependents is thriving. Lisa Riley catches up with managing director Jessica Hutchinson

Sainsbury’s reports strong first quarter growth

Published: 04 July, 2017

Sainsbury’s has reported 2.3% growth in like-for-like first quarter sales, excluding fuel, compared to a 0.3% increase seen in the previous quarter, partly in thanks to the sunny start to the summer.

Bulleit Bourbon gets new UK brand ambassador

Published: 03 July, 2017

Diageo Reserve has appointed Jenna Ba as brand ambassador for its Bulleit Bourbon in the UK.

Carlsberg acquires London Fields Brewery

Published: 03 July, 2017

Carlsberg UK has grown its craft beer portfolio with the acquisition of London Fields Brewery as part of a joint venture with New York brewer Brooklyn Brewery.

Cheeky wine brand seeks to challenge 'traditional' Prosecco

Published: 29 June, 2017

Cheeky Young Wines Co, part of International Wine Shippers, has made its UK debut with the launch of a Prosecco.

Ehrmanns takes Beefsteak Club outside Argentina for the first time

Published: 29 June, 2017

Ehrmanns has added a Tempranillo to its Beefsteak Club portfolio, marking the brand’s first move outside Argentina.

A dozen new wines join Tesco's Finest portfolio

Published: 28 June, 2017

Tesco has added 12 wines to its Finest own-label brand just a few months after extending the portfolio with a 10-strong collection of old-world wines.