Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Headline Heroes: Champagne’s sustainability revolution

Published: 13 November, 2024

Maison Perrier-Jouët is among key Champagne houses committed to introducing practices that will help meet climate objectives. James Lawrence reports.

Tech: Clarify and collaborate

Published: 11 November, 2024

Sustainability has without a doubt become a cornerstone of the modern wine industry. In just a few short years, this unifying topic has seen disparate parts of the supply chain seemingly reach a consensus that the upward march of change must occur in all parts of the sector – and fast. How to achieve this, however, is less clear.

Chablis faces tough harvest but targets UK growth

Published: 08 November, 2024

The 2024 vintage in Chablis has emerged from one of the most challenging seasons in recent memory, with severe frost, hailstorms and heavy rains collectively slashing yields by an estimated 60%. Despite these setbacks, the region’s winemakers remain optimistic, citing the vintage’s distinctive quality, marked by vibrant lemon and grapefruit notes and characteristic minerality.

Multiples: Staying ahead of the curve

Published: 07 November, 2024

James Bayley takes a look through Waitrose’s ambitious autumn drinks portfolio and finds sustainability front of mind.

On-trade: All points east for natural wines

Published: 01 November, 2024

James Bayley investigates the natural wine bars of east London to find they embrace informality and welcome all.

Exclusive: SWR completes global sustainability benchmarking pilot

Published: 01 November, 2024

Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR) has completed the initial phase of a new benchmarking scheme which aims to evaluate the world’s various sustainability standards against a single set of criteria, Harpers can reveal.

UK debut of Occitanie wine event highlights growing demand

Published: 28 October, 2024

On Tuesday, 22 October 2024, the Experience le Sud Tasting made its UK debut in London, an event organised by the Bureau de la Région Occitanie à Londres. Created to increase visibility for Occitanie wines among UK trade professionals, the tasting focused on varietals and styles that are rapidly gaining traction in the market. The event attracted key figures from the UK wine trade, including sommeliers, importers, independent merchants and journalists, who were introduced to a wide range of wines that highlight the quality and unique identity of Occitanie.

Decline in Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco yields

Published: 24 October, 2024

The 2024 harvest season for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco has concluded, closing out a year marked by unpredictable weather that led to a slight decline in yields compared to 2023. The harvest, which began in mid-September and finished in early October, was about a week later than the usual schedule. In contrast, 2023 followed a more typical harvest timeline, with activities generally completed by late September.

Headline Heroes: Rioja and a return to roots

Published: 23 October, 2024

Despite the still-popular image among consumers of Rioja as a ready-to-drink offer of easygoing charm, born of multi-regional blending and generous American oak, evolution in the region and its style is by no means a new-fangled thing. Finca Allende (the name means ‘further’) was arguably the most powerful precursor of the modern face of Rioja, bringing in single vineyard focus on terroir, coupled with the likes of new French oak and 100% Tempranillo in its top cuvée, as far back as the tail end of the last century.

Webinar sign up: Social Responsibility at the Cellar Door

Published: 16 October, 2024

The Harpers team invites you to sign up for a latest free webinar, Social Responsibility at the Cellar Door, to take place a week today.

Domaine Bousquet ramps up sustainability achievements in report update

Published: 16 October, 2024

Sustainability leader Domaine Bousquet has released a half-year update to its inaugural sustainability impact report, detailing a significant increase in the production of lightweight bottles and recycled waste.

Champagne: Gold blends

Published: 15 October, 2024

The art of assemblage is being mined for new opportunities by Champagne houses looking to premiumise in a tough trading environment. Jo Gilbert reports.

EWGA Wines earns ISO 14001 accreditation for environmental practices

Published: 14 October, 2024

EWGA Wines, a Lancashire-based importer and wholesaler, has been awarded the ISO 14001 certification, marking its commitment to sustainability in the wine trade.

Catena Institute joins SWR Bottle Weight Accord

Published: 11 October, 2024

The Catena Institute of Wine has officially joined the SWR Bottle Weight Accord, reaffirming its sustainability commitment as a founding member of the Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR). The institute’s efforts include light-weighting bottles and tackling the misconception that heavier bottles signify higher quality.

Artisanal Galician wine producer joins Bibendum portfolio

Published: 09 October, 2024

Artisanal Bierzo wine producer Estevez Bodegas y Vinedos has joined premium wine specialist Bibendum’s portfolio.

Alejandro López appointed new winemaker of Bodegas Beronia

Published: 09 October, 2024

Alejandro López has been named as the new winemaker and technical manager of Bodegas Beronia, taking over from Matías Calleja, who held the position for 42 years.

Greencroft Two wine bottling facility opens with focus on sustainability

Published: 04 October, 2024

Greencroft Two, a new £21m wine bottling plant, has opened in the UK, promising to raise the bar for sustainability in the industry. The 240,000 sq ft facility, now home to Greencroft Bottling, can handle up to 400 million litres of wine annually once fully operational.

Recipients revealed for The Wine Society’s inaugural Climate & Nature Fund

Published: 30 September, 2024

The Wine Society has named the suppliers it will reward with financial support in the first ever year of its Climate & Nature Programme, with 11 growers now set to benefit across the world.

Webinar: B Corp for the wine trade

Published: 14 August, 2024

Harpers and North South Wines are to host a free session exploring what it takes to become a B Corp certified company.

Scotland Food & Drink Partnership releases new Net Zero resource for hospitality

Published: 18 July, 2024

As part of its drive to assist hospitality in meeting a Net Zero Commitment, The Scotland Food & Drink Partnership has released a new handbook to help food and drink businesses navigate sustainable progress.