Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Boutinot: David Sefton named MD amid suite of new appointments

Published: 24 September, 2026

Wine producer-wholesaler Boutinot has announced that David Sefton has been appointed MD of the Manchester headquartered business.

Thorman Hunt welcomes inaugural South African producer Hasher Family Wines

Published: 21 September, 2026

Specialist wine importer Thorman Hunt has introduced Hasher Family Wines to its portfolio. The addition represents the first South African producer in the distributor’s wine offer.

Nick Gillett: Balancing sustainability with cost

Published: 21 September, 2026

As we transition out of the hottest summer on record and as effects of the supersized El Nino threaten to take hold in far corners of the world, it’s easy to see why we need to do more to fight climate change. The spirits trade (like any other industry) is a contributor to global warming and on the flip side is also an industry seriously threatened by it. After all, spirits and alcohol begin life as agricultural products, born of the land.

Luke Harbor set to join Bolney as general manager

Published: 24 August, 2026

Luke Harbor is set to jump ship from his current role as group beverage director at The Pig Hotels and become general manager at Sussex’s Bolney Wine Estate.

Louis Roederer acquires Burgundy’s Domaine Pierre Damoy

Published: 28 July, 2026

Champagne House Louis Roederer has acquired Burgundy’s Domaine Pierre Damoy which will now form part of the ‘Roederer Collection’.

Sommelier Wine Awards 2026: Top merchants and producers revealed

Published: 06 July, 2026

In addition to the outstanding selection of trophy, gold, silver and bronze medal wines at this year’s Sommelier Wine Awards (SWA), our winning producers and distributors are also now revealed.

Lagar de Fornelos: Rioja ageing nous for Galician whites

Published: 20 April, 2026

At Shoreditch’s buzzy Legado, Olga Verde (pictured), technical director of La Rioja Alta-owned Rías Baixas estate Lagar de Fornelos, guided Harpers through the winery’s latest vintages. This included the second vintage of the super-premium Lindeiros wine, which highlighted the ageability of these whites from this region.

LBW Drinks announces new MD

Published: 06 January, 2026

LBW Drinks, the premium producer of English wines, meads, fruit wines and spirits under the Lime Bay Wine banner, has appointed Wolfgang Sieg-Hogg as MD.

Year’s end boost for Armit as Chianti's Fèlsina onboarded

Published: 19 December, 2025

Fine wine importer Armit Wines has unveiled its latest addition to its extensive Italian portfolio, with the addition of Chianti Classico estate Fèlsina.

Champagne Cattier launch: Premium on-trade ambitions for independent house

Published: 16 December, 2025

At Mayfair’s glitzy new Lilibet’s restaurant export director at Champagne Cattier, François Colas (pictured, centre) guided attendees through the producer’s range as well as its ambitions for the UK market, following its recent on-trade partnership with Enotria.

Ribera del Duero harvest: Abundant yield despite weather challenges

Published: 03 December, 2025

The Ribera del Duero DO has unveiled its results for the 2025 harvest. Although challenging weather and mildew marked the growing season, the resulting crop was the second most abundant in the past 10 years.

Blandy’s appoints Demetri Walters MW as UK brand ambassador

Published: 24 October, 2025

Blandy’s, the Madeira wine producer, has appointed Demetri Walters MW as its UK brand ambassador.

Liberty portfolio expands with Tenerife and Ribeira Sacra additions

Published: 15 September, 2025

Liberty Wines has announced new distribution agreements with two Spanish producers. The importer is adding Ribeira Sacra’s Adega Algueira and Tenerife’s Ocampo to its offering.

Mentzendorff onboards Exton Park in Hampshire addition

Published: 06 August, 2025

Importer Mentzendorff has added Hampshire winery Exton Park to its portfolio.

Hallgarten continues portfolio expansion with first cognac

Published: 25 July, 2025

The importer Hallgarten & Novum Wines has continued its portfolio expansion apace with the addition of Cognac producer Frapin.

Australian Vintage unveils premium single-serve wine range

Published: 23 July, 2025

Wine producer Australian Vintage has announced the launch of a new series of premium single-serve wines, named Poco Vino.

Brand Phoenix partners with Australia’s McWilliam's Wines

Published: 16 July, 2025

Wine agency and distributor Brand Phoenix has unveiled a new partnership with New South Wales-based McWilliam's Wines.

Hallgarten & Novum Wines partners with Champagne Gosset

Published: 02 July, 2025

Hallgarten & Novum Wines has entered a strategic partnership with Champagne Gosset, becoming the exclusive distributor of its portfolio to the UK hospitality and retail sectors.