Risky business in Rioja

Rioja’s new single-vineyard classification signals the region’s desire to go after greater premium market share. The big question is, will it succeed? 

Moreno returns to roots with Flora Fine Wines

Wine trade veteran Abbi Moreno is opening a new venture, Flora Fine Wines, on 11 April bringing a mix of organic, biodynamic and natural wines to northwest London.

Amathus strengthens Priorat and Montsant

Amathus Drinks has expanded its Spanish portfolio with the addition of two new Catalonian producers: Celler l’Encastell from Priorat and Celler Masroig from Montsant.

Spain celebrates new Caballeros del Vino

The Wine Society’s Pierre Mansour and Paul Shinnie of Alliance Wines were the latest UK trade to be honour at a lively Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino annual dinner in Mayfair last night, where they were officially invested into the red-robed order by Spanish ambassador His Excellency Carlos Bastarreche.

Unlocking Rioja’s potential

Rioja’s Viñedos Singulares classification is a major step towards elevating the region’s status, writes Tim Atkin MW.

Rioja’s Consejo Regulador is the oldest in Spain, a body that owes its existence to a Royal Decree, no less, of October 22, 1926. From the start, the Consejo’s mandate included the right to take legal measures against “usurpers and counterfeiters of the Rioja brand”, as well as to issue production seals, demarcate the region and decide on its future direction.

Exclusive: Rioja Alavesa revives breakaway move

Rioja Alavesa wine producers have officially agreed to revive the breakaway Viñedos de Álava DO (Denominación de Origen) which they say is aimed at providing a sustainable economic model for wine producers.

"Carinyena" sees the light of day

Carignan, Cariñena, Carinyena, Carignane, Caranyana, Mazuelo or Samso? Recent legislation in Spain has unravelled the convoluted issue of this grape’s myriad names

Sea Aged Wine expands to the Canary Islands

Sea Aged Wine, the company that ages wine in seawater tanks, is expanding to the Canary Islands.

Harpers Wine Stars goes live online

Our brand new website for Harpers Wine Stars has launched, making it easier than ever to be in with a chance of grabbing one of our fantastic buyer-focused awards.

Pernod hails dynamic UK growth

Pernod Ricard has revealed “strong results” for the most recent financial year, while chalking up 6% growth in the UK.

Looking ahead: Richard Cochrane, Félix Solís UK

Abbi Moreno plans new hybrid wine business after parting ways with family firm

Abbi Moreno, third generation scion of family wine merchant Moreno Wines, has parted company with her old firm after 21 years, announcing her intention to open a hybrid wine shop-come-wine bar business in early 2019.

Sherry and tapas on the menu at Bar 44

Bar 44 Bristol

Independent survey: What's selling

In our latest poll, Harpers gave independent merchants a chance to identify those wines that always get consumers coming back for more. We looked at how these bottles stacked up

Morgenrot bolsters Spanish spirits range as gin continues to soar

Morgenrot is the latest company to expand its gin selection – this time with five new premium gins from juniper-loving nation, Spain.

New village wines from old Priorat co-operative

The DOQ Priorat co-operative, La Vinícola del Priorat has launched a new series of village-classified wines under the region's, "Vi de Vila" system.

Marqués de la Concordia kicks off limited edition football partnership

On the back of World Cup fever, Marqués de la Concordia has announced a three-year sponsorship agreement with the country’s national team.

Rioja welcomes a new breed

With Rioja much changed in recent years, Spanish expert Sarah Jane Evans MW meets the newcomers offering a different take on winemaking.

Morgenrot pushes craft wine agenda

If your image of wine tastings involves white table clothes, red trousers and talk of terroir, then Morgenrot’s latest pop up at Block Bar Brighton broke every preconception going.

Spain raises the stakes

Spain has long been known as the commercial hub of Europe’s classic winemaking regions – a category that has traditionally seen off-trade sales veer towards its £5-£10 “sweet spot” or lower, to the sub-£5, rather than its top tier of lauded pagos.