Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

High hopes for NZ 2013 vintage

Published: 13 June, 2013

After low yields in 2012, it has been predicted the New Zealand 2013 vintage will be "a vintage to remember".

Tahbilk aspires to be world's first 'naturally' carbon-neutral winery

Published: 12 June, 2013

Australia's Tahbilk Estate is hoping to become the world's first 'naturally' carbon-neutral winery after achieving a net zero balance of carbon emissions in 2012.

Château des Sarrins releases first organic vintage

Published: 12 June, 2013

Château des Sarrins, the Provence estate which is owned by Champagne Bruno Paillard, has released its first wine since being granted organic status.

Geoffrey Dean on the 2012 vintage from the Centre-Loire

Published: 12 June, 2013

Those Sauvignon Blanc drinkers that have had their fill of New Zealand examples of the varietal, should know how good the 2012 vintage was in the Centre-Loire.

Meet the Buyers: Booths

Published: 11 June, 2013

Northern supermarket chain Booths has traditionally built its reputation on word of mouth but, as Carol Emmas discovers, it is increasingly having to use harder commercial tactics while keeping its quality-first image

WOSA Sommelier Cup heats under way

Published: 11 June, 2013

Following the success of 2010's Sommelier Cup, Wines of South Africa is holding another competition to find a sommelier with a superior knowledge of the country's wines.

WOSA Sommelier Cup calls for entries

Published: 11 June, 2013

Following the success of 2010's Sommelier Cup, Wines of South Africa is on the lookout for entrants to this year's competition.

Benromach announces distillery expansion plans

Published: 11 June, 2013

Benromach, Speyside's smallest distillery, has annouced plans for major expansion in order to meet growing demand for its single malt whisky.

Chileans breaking the mould

Published: 11 June, 2013

In the first instalment of a two-part Chile focus, Laura Heywood meets the winemakers in the north of the country who are breaking new vinous ground

Portugal sets its sights on pushing quality

Published: 11 June, 2013

As Portuguese wines gain steadier ground in the UK, Carol Emmas asks what the country needs to do to attract a wider audience

Bollinger head winemaker heads to Germany

Published: 10 June, 2013

Former Bollinger head winemaker Mathieu Kauffmann has been recruited by Reichsrat von Buhl in Germany in time to direct the 2013 harvest.

Iain Muggoch returns to Direct Wines in newly created role

Published: 10 June, 2013

Iain Muggoch has returned to Direct Wines, to a newly created role, after leaving the company in 2004.

UK RumFest returns for seventh year

Published: 07 June, 2013

As rum lays claim to being the fastest-growing spirits category in the UK, RumFest has announced its return...

Pernod Ricard releases Formula One jeroboams of Mumm Champagne

Published: 07 June, 2013

Pernod Ricard is gearing up for the British Grand Prix by releasing limited edition jeroboams of Mumm Champagne in the UK, to highlight the brand's long-running sponsorship of Formula One.

Champagne Bruno Paillard releases 2002 vintage

Published: 07 June, 2013

Champagne Bruno Paillard has launched its 2002 vintage Blanc de Blancs after more than 10 years of ageing.

Amici di Bacco to unveil eclectic new list

Published: 07 June, 2013

Specialist Italian wine importer Amici di Bacco has announced it will unveil its eclectic new list at this year's Definitive Italian Tasting.

Douglas Blyde peruses the sherry list at Ametsa with Arzak Instruction

Published: 06 June, 2013

Meaning "dream" in Basque, "Ametsa" with Arzak Instruction opened two months ago in the site of what had arguably once been Europe's leading Thai restaurant - Nahm at The Halkin Hotel. Five employees made the crossover, joined by a full-time representative from Ametsa's triple-Michelin-starred Basque mothership, Arzak. Run by Juan Mari Arzak and daughter Elena, the latter maintained eighth position in Restaurant Magazine's World's 50 Best awards this year.

Restaurant review: Chez Gerard

Published: 06 June, 2013

Chez Gerard, 64 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AW

Restaurant review: The Five Arrows

Published: 06 June, 2013

The Five Arrows, Waddesdon, Aylesbury HP18 OJE

Very Important Producer: Champagne Thiénot

Published: 06 June, 2013

Alain Thiénot founded Champagne Thiénot in 1985. His children, Stanislas and Garance, have now taken over the reins and are looking to continue their father's vision of a house built on quality, modernity and luxury. The house has been selected as exclusive provider of Champagne at the Oscars 2013.