Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

English wine continues expansion with new Kent winery

Published: 26 February, 2024

Wine firm Wildshark Vineyard has submitted plans for a new winery, visitor centre and hotel in Maidstone, Kent.

Frost forecasting project receives government backing

Published: 23 February, 2024

A frost forecasting project for grape vines has secured over £300,000 in funding from Innovate UK and the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Analysis: Pints fail to impress

Published: 19 January, 2024

The government’s decision to allow the use of imperial measures to sell wine has been met with a lukewarm reaction, finds James Bayley.

New wine label reforms take effect

Published: 02 January, 2024

As of yesterday (1 January 2024), several new wine reforms introduced by the government have taken effect, including the removal of importer addresses from wine labels.

Government lauds ‘pint’-sized wine as Brexit benefit

Published: 02 January, 2024

The UK government has permitted the sale of ‘pint’ sized still and sparkling wine across supermarkets, pubs, clubs and restaurants.

WineGB looks back on ‘miracle’ harvest

Published: 21 December, 2023

WineGB is celebrating what it believes will be Great Britain’s largest-ever grape harvest as freshly collected data reveals 2023 is set to produce a record-breaking estimated 20 million bottles – twice the size of Britain’s previous record year in 2018.

WSTA welcomes UK label changes

Published: 17 October, 2023

Following a public consultation, the government has set out reforms for the wine sector which will begin in 2024.

Vineyards become the fastest growing crop in England

Published: 11 October, 2023

Wine grapes are the fastest-growing edible agricultural crop sector for human consumption in England, it has been confirmed, with recent statistics from Defra putting the growth of vineyard hectarage in pole position.

Plumpton College appoints Sam Linter as wine director

Published: 01 September, 2023

Plumpton College, the UK’s centre of excellence in wine education, training, and research, has announced the appointment of Sam Linter as its new wine director.

WineGB announces new CEO

Published: 23 August, 2023

Wines of Great Britain (WineGB) has announced the appointed of Nicola Bates as its new CEO.

WineGB appoints sustainability ambassador

Published: 02 August, 2023

Wines of Great Britain (WineGB) has appointed Anne Jones as its first-ever sustainability ambassador.

WineGB award winners announced

Published: 10 July, 2023

Much has been made of the strides made by English wines, both still and sprinkling, following the marketing juggernaut that was English Wine Week.

English Wine Week: Sparkling still on top

Published: 22 June, 2023

Yesterday (21 June), a panel of English wine’s heaviest hitters convened at 67 Pall Mall, chaired by Harpers’ columnist Guy Woodward, to discuss the trajectory of our homegrown wine and its standing on the world stage.

Bolney to increase visitor capacity by 120% with expansion

Published: 22 May, 2023

Bolney Wine Estate, one of the UK’s first commercial vineyards, is currently undergoing phase one of an expansion to its hospitality and retail area, which will increase visitor capacity by 120%. The estate remains open to visitors throughout the work, with phase one due to complete in late Summer.

Still wines to the fore at WineGB stall

Published: 16 May, 2023

From Georgia to Greece, to China and Uruguay, the 2023 London Wine Fair (LWF) has showcased many esoteric regions across its vast trade floor. As its home event, it may seem odd to place UK wines in this ‘emerging’ bracket. However, with little penetration beyond a simmering domestic market, the wines of Great Britain are hardly a global phenomenon… yet.

Drought: A burning issue for wine

Published: 14 May, 2023

With another scorching summer on the horizon, James Bayley assesses the damage caused by drought to affected regions across the globe.

LWF reveals 'mini preview' ahead of May opening

Published: 25 April, 2023

Held between 15-17 May at the London Olympia, the London Wine Fair (LWF) has revealed a preview of what attendees might expect from the UK’s largest drinks industry exhibition.

Simon Thorpe MW steps down as WineGB CEO

Published: 03 April, 2023

It is all change for WineGB as the trade organisation announces it is looking for a new CEO.

Tributes pour in for Queen Elizabeth II

Published: 09 September, 2022

Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, died yesterday (September 8) at Balmoral Castle, aged 96, bringing her 70-year reign to a close.