Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

The Savoy to launch new wine bar

Published: 07 September, 2026

London’s grande dame hotel The Savoy is set to open Beaufort Wine Bar this October as the historic hotel’s “dedicated wine discovery destination”.

Bethany Pogson: ‘Looking Back, Forging Ahead’

Published: 28 August, 2026

Top somm at Cambridge’s Michelin-starred Restaurant Twenty-Two Bethany Pogson provides her perspective for our ongoing summer Q&A. Here she reflects on negotating the impact of the cost-of-living, the success of the venue's in-house wine club and the appeal of Niagaran ice wine.

On-trade: The non-somm approach

Published: 28 August, 2026

The days of the supercilious sommelier striking fear into trepidatious diners are thankfully behind us, but as the lines between casual and fine dining are becoming increasingly blurred, more and more restaurants with great wine lists are doing away with somms altogether.

Emma Denney: ‘Looking Back, Forging Ahead’

Published: 24 August, 2026

Claridge’s director of wine Emma Denney adds her perspective to our ongoing summer Q&A series. The top somm reflects here on shifting consumption habits; the steadfast popularity of classic wine regions; and anticipates a busy festive trading for the grand dame hotel.

Luke Harbor: ‘Looking Back, Forging Ahead’

Published: 21 August, 2026

As we press ahead with our summer Q&As, next up is leading sommelier Luke Harbor, group beverage director at The Pig Hotels, who reflects here upon on-trade trends; the exciting prospects for English wine; and why more young people should take a chance at a career in hospitality.

Copa Jerez applications open for chef-somm duos

Published: 17 June, 2026

Applications are now open for UK teams for the national finals of Copa Jerez 2026. Chef-sommelier teams are invited to create and present a three-course meal paired with Sherry.

Gosset Matchmakers finalists announced

Published: 04 September, 2025

Champagne Gosset, which is available in the UK through Hallgarten Wines, has announced the five finalist teams for their 10th anniversary edition of the Gosset Matchmakers competition.

Matteo Furlan: 'Looking Back, Forging Ahead’

Published: 01 August, 2025

Matteo Furlan, head of wines at The Dorchester, adds to our summer Q&A series of drinks industry insights.

Christopher Delalonde joins Perfect Cellar as head of fine wine

Published: 01 May, 2025

Online wine retailer Perfect Cellar has announced the addition of Master Sommelier Christopher Delalonde to its team. The former Sommelier of the Year winner joins as head of fine wine, while also steering the company’s new Collector Club.

Milestone Wines adds sommelier Marcello Colletti to London team

Published: 21 March, 2025

Lancashire–based importer Milestone Wines has added sommelier Marcello Colletti to its London on-trade team. The role will see Colletti head up restaurant sales within the M25.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Duncan Gammie, The Wee Vinoteca

Published: 27 December, 2024

Next up in our end of year trade talking heads is Duncan Gammie, sommelier and founder of The Wee Vinoteca, as he reflects on remaining competitive in a challenging environment.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Elton Muco, 67 Pall Mall

Published: 23 December, 2024

Next up in our end of year trade talking heads is Elton Muco, deputy head sommelier at 67 Pall Mall, as he reflects on remaining competitive in a challenging environment.

Majestic partners with sommelier Romain Bourger for Christmas campaign

Published: 11 December, 2024

The UK’s largest multiple has launched an innovative festive campaign this December, collaborating with award-winning sommelier Romain Bourger to promote Majestic's credentials when it comes to staff expertise on all things grape related.

New Zealand Winegrowers affirms commitment to Sommelier Scholarships

Published: 15 November, 2024

Following a temporary, pandemic-induced hiatus, New Zealand is once again poised to welcome the winners of New Zealand Winegrowers’ Sommelier Scholarships.

On-trade: The psychology of wine lists

Published: 02 October, 2024

James Bayley digs deep into what makes a wine list tick.

Finalists announced for Copa Jerez UK 2024

Published: 13 September, 2024

The chef and sommelier teams selected to compete in the 2024 UK finals of Copa Jerez have been revealed. The finalists are: Chef Will Stoyle and sommelier Zoé Donadio from the Silo x Apricity collaboration, Chef Stephen James Thompson and sommelier Cong Cong Bo from The Foraging Chef x Amphora Cambridge, and chef Lily Stock with sommelier Yuri Humphreys from Raffles London at the OWO.

67 Pall Mall announces new head of wine for Europe

Published: 29 July, 2024

Private members’ club 67 Pall Mall has announced the appointment of Kathrine Larsen-Robert MS to the role of head of wine for Europe as it continues to expand its popular model at home and abroad.

Copa Jerez returns with all-star judging panel

Published: 03 July, 2024

The search is on for UK sommelier and chef teams to compete in the 2024 UK finals of Copa Jerez and win their place to represent Britain at the prestigious international culinary competition in Spain next year.

Five minutes with Thibault Lavergne, Wine Story

Published: 05 March, 2024

Andrew Catchpole caught up with Thibault Lavergne of Wine Story at Vin, London’s leading French tasting, to find out what makes this specialist importer tick

Soapbox: Somm tips on ordering wine

Published: 21 November, 2023

Aulis’s Charles Carron Brown irons out the mistakes commonly made in approaching a somm, helping to bag the wine a diner wants, rather than the one the somm wants them to drink.