Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Backing a (indie) winning wine

Published: 02 June, 2021

The countries and regions most tipped by UK merchants to be the year’s hot new thing. Andrew Catchpole reports.

Wine GB announces new chairman

Published: 01 June, 2021

Sam Linter, MD and head winemaker at Bolney Wine Estate, is to become Wine GB chairman replacing Simon Robinson.

Five minutes with Kit Ellen, Exton Park

Published: 31 May, 2021

Kit Ellen, MD at Hampshire’s Exton Park, distributed in the UK by Bancroft Wines, talks to Jo Gilbert about the winery’s intriguing shift in focus to ‘reserve blends’, a new standard-bearer for the wines based on its 10-year library of reserves.

Prentis promises to work with industry on certification and Brexit/Covid fallout

Published: 28 May, 2021

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has welcomed a “positive and productive” meeting with Victoria Prentis MP where she is said to have understood the “value” of the wine and spirits industry and vowed to work closely on rebuilding post-Brexit and Covid.

Association of Wine Educators announces new chairperson

Published: 27 May, 2021

The Association of Wine Educators (AWE), which brings together specialist wine educators from all over the UK and around the world, has announced Mandy Stevens as its new chairperson.

Long Read: Hidden gems making their mark

Published: 27 May, 2021

While travel has been restricted, many wine drinkers have been on their own journey of exploration enjoying hidden gem wines – whether unusual varieties from popular wine-growing countries or regions, or familiar grapes from unfamiliar places.

Ex-Tesco wine buying manager joins Cadman

Published: 26 May, 2021

Cadman Capital Group, a private equity firm that specialises in the retail wine sector, has appointed former Tesco buying manager, James Reed, as its new general manager of retail wine.

Waitrose unveils mixed English wine case

Published: 26 May, 2021

Waitrose has launched a new mixed wine case comprising a selection of homegrown wines.

Adam Smith Institute calls out ‘Alice in Wonderland’ thinking on VI-1s

Published: 26 May, 2021

The Adam Smith Institute has added its voice to calls on government to reduce post-Brexit red tape for the wine trade, including scrapping the much derided and wholly unnecessary VI-1 forms.

Jascots reintroduces Sancerre’s Alphonse Mellot

Published: 26 May, 2021

Jascots Wine Merchants has reintroduced Sancerre producer Alphonse Mellot to its burgeoning portfolio.

Copa Jerez announces 2021 UK winners

Published: 26 May, 2021

Sommelier Mattia Mazzi and Chef Vincenzo Raffone, representing The River Café in London, stormed to victory at the UK heat of Copa Jerez.

MontGras launches three new ranges in the UK

Published: 26 May, 2021

Chilean winery MontGras has launched three new wine ranges in the UK – MontGras Organic, Day One and DeVine Reserva – which will be distributed by North South Wines.

Enjoying the great outdoors

Published: 26 May, 2021

With some restrictions easing but others still in place, drinks companies are capitalising on practical solutions to outdoor drinking, as Lisa Riley reports.

Q&A: Randall Grahm, Popelouchum

Published: 26 May, 2021

The original freewheeling California innovator talks to Andrew Catchpole about his new venture and an endless quest for terroir

Armit adds Provence producer Domaine des Mapliers

Published: 25 May, 2021

Armit Wines has added Provence producer Domaine Mapliers to its rapidly expanding wine portfolio.

Freixenet hits £100m milestone

Published: 25 May, 2021

Freixenet has hit £100m in RSV (retail sales value), doubling its brand value in a couple of years.

Omar Allibhoy to deliver flavour of Spain for Barón de Ley

Published: 24 May, 2021

Spanish chef Omar Allibhoy has teamed up with Kingsland Drinks to “bring the essence of Spain” to the UK in a new campaign supporting Barón de Ley.

Late but quality harvest helps SA producers with oversupply

Published: 24 May, 2021

Vinpro has declared the 2021 vintage one of "consistent high quality” in what was overall a cooler season.

Wine industry receives ‘positive support’ from Prentis

Published: 24 May, 2021

The English and Welsh wine industry gained "positive support" from the agriculture minister, Victoria Prentis, in a meeting between Wine GB and DEFRA officials, the industry’s body has said.