Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Jerry Lockspeiser: Has wine become like religion for some?

Published: 28 November, 2023

In last month’s article for Harpers, I considered the potential for huge disruption in the UK wine trade from new rules that will allow the blending and processing of wines imported in bulk. They raise the possibility of making drinks that have all the taste and packaging characteristics of established wines while not being subject to the historic restrictions for making them.

Hospitality sector welcomes relaxation of work from home rules in Scotland

Published: 26 January, 2022

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced yesterday (January 25) that office workers would be allowed to return to their desks from 31 January, a move that has been enthusiastically welcomed by the Scottish Licensed Trade Association.

Scottish government confirms that hospitality restrictions will end

Published: 19 January, 2022

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has told the Scottish parliament that the vast majority of Covid-19 restrictions issued before Christmas 2021 will end on 24 January.

Santa Rita Estates achieves sustainability recertification

Published: 14 January, 2022

Viña Santa Rita and its associated wineries in Chile have obtained their sixth accreditation from the Certified Sustainable Wine of Chile Code, under the rules of the oversight body.

‘Pingdemic’ eases as self-isolation rules change

Published: 16 August, 2021

Hospitality workers who are double-jabbed will no longer have to self-isolate at home for 10 days after coming into contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid.

Self-isolation rules discriminate against young workers

Published: 07 July, 2021

UK Hospitality (UKH) has warned that delays to the end of self-isolation rules will put additional pressures on a hospitality industry which is being crippled by staff shortages, as the government confirmed that rules around isolating at home for those who aren’t double-jabbed will continue until next month.

Hospitality hit once more by opening delay

Published: 01 July, 2021

The latest extension of Covid-19 rules could see the industry lose a further 300,000 jobs. Lisa Riley reports on the likely outcome of the measures

Champagne: A rollercoaster year

Published: 25 March, 2021

David Kermode takes the measure of Champagne, which managed to add some sparkle to its sales in 2020 despite the loss of celebratory drinking occasions.

Tiers escalated for much of England

Published: 17 December, 2020

Health secretary Matt Hancock has announced that large swathes of England will go into Tier 3 this weekend, as infection rates re-climb towards their April peak.

All-star panel talks how to deal with pandemic in restaurant environment

Published: 28 May, 2020

Building trust around social distancing rules will be the major challenge for restaurants looking to relaunch their businesses after lockdown eases, a leading on-trade panel has agreed.