Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Climate crunch

Published: 01 April, 2020

New mathematical forecasting is helping scientists plot vine suitability against an ever-changing climate map. Jo Gilbert looks at the challenges to 2050 and beyond.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc in the can

Published: 20 March, 2020

Lanchester Wines is to launch the UK’s first Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc in a 187ml can.

California export drive

Published: 16 March, 2020

Andrew Catchpole reports on the inaugural California Export conference, which drew together a host of wine experts from around the world to explore the opportunities for the Golden State.

Villa Maria trials native plants as herbicides alternative

Published: 21 February, 2020

Villa Maria Estate has embarked on a trial using native plants and cover crops as an alternative to herbicides.

Sea Change on track to double donations to £100,000

Published: 19 February, 2020

Sea Change Wine, the eco-conscious wine range developed by 10 International, has revealed it is on track to double donations to £100,000 by the end of the year.

Drinks trade ranks poorly on new sustainability index

Published: 10 February, 2020

The drinks industry is lagging behind other business sectors in its approach to sustainability, according to a new report published today.

Langham winemaker leaves to establish sustainable winery

Published: 07 February, 2020

The head winemaker at Dorset winery Langham Estate has branched out on his own to embark on a sustainable winemaking venture.

Organic wine ‘big winner’ in 2019

Published: 05 February, 2020

Organic wine was the “big category winner” in 2019 as supermarkets cashed in on shoppers’ environmental concerns, according to the Soil Association Certification’s annual Organic Market Report 2020 released today.

Climate action group IWCA welcomes four new members

Published: 30 January, 2020

International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) has welcomed our new wineries in its mission to decarbonize the global wine industry.

Friday Read: Sustainability, organics or biodynamics – who’s got it right?

Published: 24 January, 2020

Since France’s ‘organic’ fair Millesime Bio began in 1993, France and the rest of the winemaking world have come to embrace the gamut of holistic winemaking practices, from sustainability to organics and biodynamics. But how useful, actually, are they as separate disciplines? And do they have the staying power to be truly ‘sustainable’ longterm? Mike Turner, who was in Montpellier to judge this year’s medal winners, mulls over the big questions.

Ramón Bilbao exceeds sustainability target

Published: 07 January, 2020

Ramón Bilbao has announced it has exceeded targets on its sustainability drive in both its winery and vineyards.

Wine’s darker materials: glass vs the alternatives

Published: 06 January, 2020

A rising clamour over packaging and sustainability is leading many parts of the industry to go back to the drawing board on glass and look at alternative materials. Does plastic deserve its bad reputation?

Q&A: Santiago Navarro, Garçon Wines

Published: 06 January, 2020

Santiago Navarro is out to change the world and the mass-market wine business with his flat eco wine bottle. Jo Gilbert catches up with the co-founder and chief executive

Spotlight on 2020: Mark Roberts, Lanchester Wines

Published: 16 December, 2019

As we prepare for the new decade, Harpers will be taking the month of December to look back over 2019 and ahead to what the coming year will bring – hopefully full of revived optimism for both politics and the trade.

Sustainability: Time to embrace 'boutique bulk'?

Published: 03 December, 2019

With sustainability high on the global agenda, it could be time to embrace a new approach to shipping premium wine. Andrew Catchpole reports back from a round table partnered by Lanchester Wines.

Friday read: How top end Prosecco can stay relevant in the face of ever changing consumer demands

Published: 11 October, 2019

Harpers sets out on the Prosecco trail to look at the region’s industrial expansion and to work out what a sustainable future looks like for the chronically popular Italian fizz

Hillebrand rebrand ahead of ‘journey of growth’

Published: 08 October, 2019

Global beverage and bulk liquid forwarder JF Hillebrand is unifying its various business arms, including past acquisitions such as Trans Ocean Bulk Logistics and Satellite Logistics Group, under the one Hillebrand banner.

Rock Rose goes postal with recyclable pouches

Published: 30 September, 2019

Rock Rose has signed a deal with the Royal Mail which will make it the first gin to offer fully recyclable 70cl refill pouches.

Torres calls for action on climate change

Published: 30 September, 2019

Family-run Spanish wine producer Familia Torres has renewed its call for more action on climate change and declared its support for Fridays For Future, the international youth movement inspired by activist Greta Thunberg.