Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Bar Douro launches Portuguese wine club

Published: 03 September, 2020

London-based Portuguese restaurant and wine bar, Bar Douro, has unveiled a new nationwide subscription wine service.

Q&A: Luís Sottomayor, head of winemaking, Casa Ferreirinha and Sogrape Porto Wine

Published: 02 September, 2020

From Barca Velha to small-batch single varietal Douro wines by way of Clink cocktails, Luís Sottomayor gives Andrew Catchpole the lowdown on life at the helm

Symington partners with Michelin-starred chef to launch pop-up

Published: 30 July, 2020

Symington Family Estates has collaborated with Michelin-starred chef Pedro Lemos to launch pop-up restaurant Casa dos Ecos at the Port producer’s Quinta do Bomfim estate.

Sogevinus acquires Quinta da Boavista

Published: 30 June, 2020

Sogevinus has acquired historic Quinta da Boavista from Lima Smith for an undisclosed sum.

Sogevinus releases 2018 vintage Ports

Published: 05 May, 2020

Sogevinus has announced the release of four 2018 vintage Ports, one from each of its four Port houses.

Taylor's declares 2018 a classic vintage

Published: 23 April, 2020

The Fladgate Partnership has declared 2018 a ‘classic vintage’ for Taylor’s but not for its Fonseca or Croft Port brands.

Symington announces vintage ports

Published: 14 April, 2020

The Symington Family has announced its 2018 vintage Ports - to be launched via live video presentation for the first time.

Bar Douro City

Published: 21 February, 2020

BAR DOURO CITY

Symington reveals first wines made outside the Douro

Published: 29 May, 2019

The Symington family has launched the first wines from its new project at Quinta da Fonte Souto in the Portalegre sub-region of the Alentejo in southern Portugal.

Niepoort declares ‘epic’ 2017 vintage

Published: 12 April, 2019

Winemaker Dirk Niepoort has declared his 2017 vintage port, hailing it as “the best wine I’ve ever done” at a tasting for the trade at Lyle’s in London on Thursday.

The week that was

Published: 19 October, 2018

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, here’s a review of the top online news, analysis, opinions and features.

Douro harvest delivers quality on back of “absurdly low” yields

Published: 17 October, 2018

Following a year of challenging weather extremes, the Douro’s 2018 harvest has given up some “excellent Ports and Douro wines” according to Symington Family Estate’s annual harvest report.

Facing up to climate change

Published: 02 August, 2018

The Climate Change Leadership Porto Summit gave compelling reasons for the drinks trade to take a lead on tackling global warming, as Andrew Catchpole reports.

The resurgence of the port industry

Published: 01 June, 2018

At first glance, it appears to be a case of “same old story” when analysing port’s prospects in the UK. According to CGA Strategy, in the 12 months to February 24, 2018, port sales (by volume, 9-litre cases) decreased by more than 11%, falling 9.8% in value. Nielsen data concurs: retail sales declined by more than 2%, remaining static in MAT TY 142,687 % CHG VS value at £77 million (MAT to March 3, 2018).

Harpers catches up with Esporao's David Baverstock

Published: 14 May, 2018

Over the past 15-20 years, Portugal's wine industry has been transformed. Quality has been pushed to the forefront; producers have returned to native varieties in a big way, recognising them as Portugal's raison d'etre in a crowded and competitive global wine industry. Meanwhile, regions that were once also-rans have emerged with distinctive styles and a renewed commitment to local traditions.

Symington announce €5m investment in new table wine winery with eye on Douro’s premium future

Published: 21 February, 2018

Pre-eminent port producer Symington Family Estates has announced plans to spend up to €4 to €5 million on a new winemaking facility at Quinta do Ataíde in the Douro to underpin the quality of its table wine production.

Symington donates 10th ambulance in wake of Douro fires

Published: 18 December, 2017

Port producer Symington Family Estates, has presented a new ambulance to the Sabrosa Volunteer Fire Brigade following the devastating fires in the region.

Guy Woodward: The great Port revival

Published: 08 December, 2017

Remember all that talk, a few years back, of the big sherry revival? About how, spurred on by the growth of tapas bars, small-plate dining, aperitif culture and cool España, fino and amontillado were the new tipples of choice for the hipster generation?