Thirty years of The Oxford Wine Company

After 30 years in business, Ted Sandbach, owner and chairman of The Oxford Wine Company, says moving to – and staying in – Oxford is still the best decision he’s ever made. Jo Gilbert reports

Friday read: Savouring chocolate and wine

It’s always fascinating being taken out of one’s own world of intense focus – wine – and into another somewhat parallel, but also contrasting field of expertise. So when Cocoa Runners approached Team Harpers suggesting a wine and chocolate pairing session – also just ahead of Christmas – we jumped at the chance.

Soapbox: The need to reuse and refill

Muriel Chatel, CEO of Sustainable Wine Solutions, is conducting a pilot with restaurants to prove that most bottles can be saved from waste and reused or upcycled. Here, she makes the case for large-scale refill and reuse

Losh and Goode blend Chenin from SA and Loire

Few would deny that Chenin Blanc is one of the world’s greats when it comes to grape varieties, but most would recognise that it sits far behind the likes of Chardonnay and Sauvignon in terms of recognition. Chenin is, of course, the de facto flagship grape of South Africa, also playing a strong role in the Loire. Here, in appellations such as Vouvray, Saumur, Angou, Savennieres, and others besides, the best – as with their Cape cousins – are world class, capable of developing great complexity while ageing for a very long time.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Miles Beale, WSTA

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), reflects on the highs and lows of 2022, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead.

Friday read: The revival of Bardolino’s crus

Few Italian wine regions have had as much of a roller coaster ride as Bardolino, nestled up against the beautiful eastern shores of Lake Garda, where wine has been made since Roman times.

Red flags for fine wine, says Liv-ex

Fine Wine provided stability amid an increasingly uncertain economic outlook in 2022, a new report from Liv-ex has revealed. However, as renewed investment and speculation pushed prices, analysts have been left wondering whether the ‘Covid era boom’ has run its course.

New limits on Etna to control invasive investment

New moves to limit Etna DOC (PDO) wine production volumes have been designed to maintain and control average grape prices, as a way of preserving the Sicilian mountain’s wine economy, its environment and viticultural heritage, the Etna DOC wine board has said.

Cramele Recas rolls out PET trial

Romanian winery Cramele Recas has officially launched its Recycled PET Multibarrier Bottles Project, as it tests the waters of alt formats with customers – and with the aim of eventually bringing a full-scale launch to market.

Talking heads: Dynamic France

Jo Gilbert caught up with some of the UK’s leading French wine importers to ask the burning question: what is France doing well currently – and why?

Rioja's white exports grow, but overall market dips

The growth of Rioja’s white wines is paying dividends for the region in the export market, finally making good on a promise that the DO is able to diversify its portfolio abroad. However, things are looking a little less rosy globally in 2022, with uncertainty in various key markets leading exports to take a tumble.

Bancroft pushes into Greek top tier with 'experimental' Troupis

Wine from the Peloponnese is taking a significant step forwards into the UK market with the addition of low intervention wines from Troupis Winery, which has gained distribution via Bancroft Wines.

Tim Atkin MW returns to Ribera del Duero for second 'Special' report

Hospices de Beaune clinches record total for Sotheby’s Wine Auction

The 162nd Hospices De Beaune wine auction has reached a new, impressive milestone, with sales of €31 million ($32 million) making it the highest ever wine lot for one of the world’s top auction houses.

Guy Woodward: Language matters

I was corresponding recently with the human dynamo that is Laura Catena. Turns out the Argentinian winemaker is a big fan of this column.

Harpers webinar: The Future is Rosé

With rosé on a roll and Provence leading the charge, Harpers has teamed up with Vins de Provence to present a far-reaching briefing on the category.

Little Sandy’s

Little Sandy’s

Concha y Toro signs Harpers Sustainability Charter

Chile's leading wine brand has become a signatory to the Harpers Sustainability Charter, an initiative designed to galvanise the trade into action.

Talking Torbato: Sardinia's rising star

Wine Talk’s Sarah McCleery meets a new grape with ‘star performer’ credentials while travelling in Sardinia

Talking Torbato: Sardinia's rising star

Wine Talk’s Sarah McCleery meets a new grape with ‘star performer’ credentials while travelling in Sardinia