Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

2018 Burgundy: excellent reds and solid whites

Published: 19 November, 2018

Panos Kakaviatos reports from Hospices de Beaune on the ins and outs of the 2018 vintage.

Educators from UK to India celebrated in WSET nominations

Published: 19 November, 2018

Educators which have taken up the WSET mantle to bring wine and spirits education to the world are being celebrated today following nominations for 2018.

Joe Fattorini: Is your wine list upside down?

Published: 19 November, 2018

Not only is your wine list upside down, but you haven’t dropped your anchor. Joe Fattorini shares more wacky wisdom on the psychology of sales

Thinking outside the wine barrel: 1000 Stories creator Bob Blue talks bourbon barrel-aged Zinfandel

Published: 16 November, 2018

From his upbringing in the Church of Christian Science to bourbon barrel aged Zinfandel range 1000 Stories, Bonterra head winemaker Bob Blue has led and continues to lead a colourful life.

ProWine China hits record numbers

Published: 15 November, 2018

ProWine China 2018 has celebrated its biggest show this year with record numbers of visitors as the Chinese market opens to the wine sector.

Scientific study into Barbera d’Asti launched

Published: 15 November, 2018

A scientific study has been launched into the plant phytochemistry and the sensorial characteristics of Italian wine Barbera d’Asti.

California soul

Published: 15 November, 2018

Travelling with fellow MWs in the Golden State, Natasha Hughes MW delves far beyond the usual suspects.

Distell to launch fine wine division

Published: 14 November, 2018

African wine, spirits and cider giant Distell is set to launch a new premium wine division with Nederburg as its flagship, Harpers can reveal.

NZ Sommelier Scholarship participants announced

Published: 14 November, 2018

New Zealand Winegrowers has confirmed 18 recipients of its 2019 International Sommelier Scholarship, designed to encourage on-trade ambassadors for the country’s wines.

Polish polish

Published: 13 November, 2018

Poland is setting its sights to become an internationally recognised producer of quality wine, with the number of vineyards doubling over the past four years.

Global wine markets: China shines as Brexit Britain picks up wooden spoon

Published: 13 November, 2018

The second annual ProWein Business Report looking at the attractiveness of international export markets for wine has placed China in pole position for the first time.

Don't miss Harpers Wine Stars Spain, Australia and South America

Published: 13 November, 2018

Harpers Wine Stars, the competition judged by buyers for buyers, is returning fresh for 2019 – and there’s only just over a week left to sign up.

WoodWinters adds old Barossa Soul to portfolio

Published: 13 November, 2018

Indie merchant WoodWinters has strengthened its growing wholesale portfolio with the addition of the UK agency for Soul Growers from Barossa.

Simpsons releases its first sparkler

Published: 13 November, 2018

Kent estate Simpsons has released its first sparkling wine, six years after its founders branched out from the Languedoc in France to launch their first UK venture.

Breaking the mould

Published: 12 November, 2018

Chris Wilson looks at the age-old conundrum – how can fortified wine break away from its seasonal reputation?

Napa Valley reports strong vintage with ideal weather conditions

Published: 12 November, 2018

Napa Valley has announced a “Goldilocks” 2018 vintage.

Lidl sweeps the board at Wotwine supermarket awards

Published: 08 November, 2018

Lidl swept the board at the Wotwine 2019 Supermarket Wine Retailer Awards taking home three out of four gongs.

Matthew Clark strengthens wine buying team with new trio

Published: 07 November, 2018

Matthew Clark has expanded its wine buying team with a director and two new buyers.

Japan prepares to take on the world at second Wines of Japan tasting

Published: 07 November, 2018

As Japan continues to make waves in whisky, pushing outwards with its own distinctive style and winning awards left, right and centre, wine is poised to follow suit. Harpers joined Sarah Abbott MW at a recent Wines of Japan tasting – the follow-up to the inaugural UK event in February this year. We discovered a country ready to build on the newly signed free trade deal with Europe and take on the wine world.