Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

UK’s 50 Best Indies 2021: 31-50

Published: 07 September, 2021

Welcome to the release of our second tranche of our 50 Best Indies list, from 31-40, also featuring all of those that have made it into the 31-50 ranking so far.

English and Welsh wine exports soar despite pandemic disruption

Published: 07 September, 2021

Exports of English and Welsh wine – both still and sparkling – have risen dramatically over the past 12 months, despite the on-going challenges of the Covid pandemic.

South Korea gains ground on the US as premier global wine market

Published: 07 September, 2021

South Korea is becoming an increasingly important destination for wine exporters, according to a recent study commissioned by Wine Intelligence.

Black Chalk to market two versions of its signature vintage cuvées

Published: 07 September, 2021

Hampshire-based Black Chalk has unveiled plans to release two distinct interpretations of its Classic and Wild Rosé wines, based on the same vintage.

Five minutes with Adolfo Hurtado, Mont Gras

Published: 07 September, 2021

The charismatic winemaker at Chile’s Mont Gras talks to Lisa Riley about how growing up around vineyards influenced his three new wine ranges – Day One, Organic, and Devine Reserva – distributed by North South Wines.

Continued plantings spell new growth for English vino at Wine GB

Published: 06 September, 2021

Continued plantings across England and Wales are expected to insulate the growing England and Welsh wine industry against climate issues and smaller-than-usual crop sizes.

Flint Wines adds Domaine de Lorient

Published: 06 September, 2021

Flint Wines has added Rhône Valley producer Domaine de Lorient to it burgeoning portfolio.

M&S buyer Yves Fourcade passes away

Published: 02 September, 2021

Yves Fourcade, senior wine buyer at M&S, has passed away after 35 years at the heart of the supermarket’s buying team.

UK remains third biggest destination for Portuguese wine

Published: 01 September, 2021

The UK remained the third biggest destination for Portuguese wine in the first half of 2021 in value terms, according to new export data released by Wines of Portugal.

Encirc expands filling capability by 40%

Published: 01 September, 2021

UK glass manufacturer Encirc is set to expand its filling capacity by 40%, increasing its wine filling capacity by 75 million litres over the next year, to meet growing demand.

Majestic launches new subscription club

Published: 01 September, 2021

Majestic has revealed details of its new subscription model — Wine Club’ by Majestic.

Majestic lists Kosher wines for first time

Published: 31 August, 2021

Majestic Wines has listed four Kosher wines online and in 14 stores across the UK, marking a first for the retailer.

Wine Scholar Guild to develop new way to assess wine

Published: 31 August, 2021

The Wine Scholar Guild (WSG) has unveiled a new project aimed at developing a new way to assess wine.

Jerry Lockspeiser: Sean Lock, wine and the value of originality

Published: 26 August, 2021

Comedian Sean Lock passed away on 16 August. Many knew him from TV, radio and his live one man shows. 8 out of 10 cats on Channel 4 was probably his biggest audience. Sean’s sparkling eyes, dead pan delivery and absurdist wit made him a true original.

Long Read: Obsessed with grapes – why wine needs to expand its brand horizons

Published: 26 August, 2021

Neil Bennett is head of strategy at creative agency LOVE, which has recently worked with brands including Laithwaites, Penfolds and Brewdog Distilling.

Vinpro: ‘Hopeful for a positive outcome’

Published: 26 August, 2021

Vinpro has said it is “hopeful for a positive outcome” following the announcement by the Western Cape High Court that it reserved judgement in the court case during which the industry body contested the approach followed by government towards alcohol ban restrictions.

Bouncing Back Q&A: Jamie Wynne Griffiths, Propeller

Published: 26 August, 2021

It’s been a one-of-a-kind 18 months for the trade. Here, as we begin to push into the second half of the second year of the pandemic, Harpers is catching up with businesses to find out how they’re focusing on recovering from the shock, and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead.