Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Fladgate Family Wines declares 2024 vintages

Published: 23 April, 2026

Premium port company Fladgate Family Wines has declared 2024 vintages from three of its houses: Taylor’s, Fonseca, and Croft.

Kopke declares 2024 vintage port

Published: 13 April, 2026

Kopke Group has declared two 2024 vintage ports from across its estates: Kopke Vintage 2024 and Burmester Vintage 2024.

Port refresh for a new generation

Published: 21 November, 2025

Port’s postprandial image is one that has long buoyed UK sales for the Douro’s array of fortified wine producers. However, with changing tastes come changing demands. Although there will remain a strong appetite for traditional expressions of the category, Port houses both established and new are looking to appeal to a younger demographic who may be only just commencing their Port journey. Harpers spoke to producers who ply their trade in the steep-hilled valley to determine how they are seeking to appeal to this disruptive demographic.

Kopke unveils 80-year-old tawny

Published: 12 November, 2025

Port house Kopke has unveiled its first ever 80-Year-Old Tawny. The 1638-founded producer follows Graham’s and Taylor’s, who both introduced the category to their respective ranges this year.

Taylor’s harvest: Heat causes smaller crop with intense flavour reported

Published: 29 October, 2025

After a growing season defined by extreme heat, historic Port house Taylor's is reporting that the unique conditions have afforded this year’s wines with a unique flavour profile.

Symington predicts lower yield but good quality harvest

Published: 27 August, 2025

Symington Family Estates has announced its expectations for the 2025 harvest across its estates in the Douro, Alentejo and Vinho Verde regions.

Leadership reshuffle sees Rob Symington land as MD of BBR

Published: 01 August, 2025

Leading Douro producer Symington Family Estates (SFE) has unveiled a series of major personnel changes as Rob Symington, a fifth-generation member of the founding family, takes a new role in the UK trade.

Taylor’s David Guimaraens: Reinvigorating Vintage Port’s on-trade promise

Published: 15 July, 2025

At the inaugural Taylor’s Port Vintage Years UK Sommelier Challenge at Berry Bros & Rudd’s Napoleon Cellar, Taylor’s David Guimaraens (pictured, left) impressed the vital role of sommeliers in championing Vintage Port within the on-trade.

Sogevinus unveils name change

Published: 29 May, 2025

Portuguese wine producer Sogevinus will henceforth be known as the Kopke Group, paying homage to the country's oldest Port house.

Quinta Do Noval declares 2023 vintage Port

Published: 30 April, 2025

Quinta do Noval has declared three Vintage Ports from 2023.

Taylor’s releases Sentinels Vintage Port 2023

Published: 23 April, 2025

Taylor’s has made its declaration of Vintage Port today, St George’s Day – the traditional date for the announcement – and alongside launches Sentinels Vintage Port 2023.

Symington announces Quinta Vintage Port from six estates

Published: 17 April, 2025

Port giant Symington Family Estates has announced that it will produce 2023 Quinta Vintage Ports from its top six Douro estates. The move will see the wines bottled in May and available from mid-June.

Bibendum becomes exclusive distributor for Quinta da Pedra Alta

Published: 27 January, 2025

Leading Douro producer Quinta da Pedra Alta will now be distributed in the UK and Ireland via Bibendum. A portfolio of red and white table wines as well as a selection of Ports will be available to the on-trade under the Bibendum banner and to independent merchants via Walker & Wodehouse.

Hallgarten welcomes two new agencies into the fold

Published: 06 January, 2025

Hallgarten & Novum Wines has got off to a racing start in 2025, adding Franciacorta producer Bellavista (pictured) to its Italian portfolio, while also welcoming Quinta da Romaneira to the Hallgarten family.

From Port wine to table wine

Published: 22 November, 2024

Jo Gilbert embarks on a deep dive into Douro producers’ dual strategies for both table and fortified wines as a way of adapting to market demands and preserving the region’s winemaking heritage.

Fladgate Partnership releases 2024 harvest report

Published: 21 October, 2024

In the wake of an overall cool vintage, expectations remain high in the Douro Valley, with initial reports suggesting that year's crop will showcase “vibrant fruit, fine tannins, and remarkable acidity”.

Cockburn’s revamps range with eco-friendly focus

Published: 23 September, 2024

Cockburn’s Port is ‘challenging perceptions in the category’ with a significant redesign which introduces a new lightweight bottle across the core range.

Quinta de la Rosa partners with Thorman Hunt for UK distribution

Published: 08 July, 2024

The distribution of Quinta de la Rosa, the single quinta winery on the banks of the Douro in Portugal, is being transferred to Thorman Hunt from 1 August 2024. Sophia Bergqvist, proprietor of Quinta de la Rosa, and her son, Kit Weaver, have expressed their gratitude to outgoing distributor Bibendum for its efforts in the market in recent years.

Profile: A new era for Fells

Published: 09 April, 2024

Fells’ new MD catches up with Jo Gilbert on the company’s past, present and future, including its secret weapon.

As one of the longest-standing agent importers in the UK, Fells has a history that is almost very nearly unique. Like Mentzendorff, its biggest competitor, Fells happens to have been founded in 1858, before going on to represent the interests of a leading Port house.