Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Denbies winery investment to create new jobs

Published: 08 April, 2019

Denbies Wine Estate will increase its winery workforce by a third this year to handle an increase in production.

Plumpton climate change research could help boost English vine productivity

Published: 05 April, 2019

Soon to be released research carried out in Sussex could help unlock the secret of yields – and discover why they fluctuate so wildly from year to year in the UK.

Chablis steps up sustainability focus with new methanation system

Published: 05 April, 2019

The Chablis Winegrowers Union (FDAC) has embarked on a €4.8 million project to implement a new methanation system in a bid to improve sustainable practices across the region.

31 Days of German Riesling returns

Published: 05 April, 2019

The annual celebration of Riesling is back, opening up yet more opportunities for the trade to promote and get behind Germany’s star player.

E&J Gallo acquires over 30 wine and spirits brands from Constellation

Published: 04 April, 2019

E&J Gallo has acquired over 30 wine and spirits brands and six winemaking facilities from Constellation Brands in a $1.7 billion deal.

Pernod Ricard sets new sustainability targets

Published: 04 April, 2019

Pernod Ricard has launched its 2030 Sustainability & Responsibility Roadmap comprising eight key commitments across its business ‘from grain to grass’.

Oxford Wine Company announces new hires

Published: 04 April, 2019

The Oxford Wine Company has appointed Nancy Gilchrist MW as head of sales to the Oxford University Colleges, as well as consulting on its wine list.

Amathus signs exclusive distribution deal for De Gras

Published: 03 April, 2019

Amathus Drinks has signed a deal as the exclusive distributor of Chilean wine brand De Gras, previously distributed by Enotria.

Vinexpo appoints new CEO

Published: 03 April, 2019

Vinexpo has announced that Rodolphe Lameyse will start as Vinexpo chief executive officer on 16 April.

Switching to cans and lower abv can boost sales, says report

Published: 02 April, 2019

Producing low or no alcohol lines and switching from bottles to cans could boost sales for the wine trade, suggest new statistics on the craft beer industry.

Eastern promise: Bulgaria and Hungary

Published: 01 April, 2019

After a few difficult vintages in western wine countries, central and eastern Europe are piquing buyers’ interest for well-made international varieties. Countries in these regions are increasingly seen as exciting for wine drinkers, offering an array of high-quality, authentic, local grapes and good-value wines that can offer a new story for retailers and sommeliers.

Jascots teams up with Beaujolais domaines

Published: 01 April, 2019

Jascots has added Beaujolais producers Lucien Lardy and his son, Yohan Lardy, to its portfolio.

Chiswick Auctions spices up drinks arm with new team

Published: 29 March, 2019

London-based auctioneer Chiswick Auctions is in the process of a complete overhaul of its wine and spirits arm, aiming to attract high-end consumers alongside the more traditional wine collectors.

Journey’s End revamps range

Published: 29 March, 2019

Journey’s End is revamping its range of wines to provide “clear differentiation” between its three series, Tales, V and Icon, while maintaining a “consistent theme across the family of wines”.

Buckingham Schenk goes veggie for portfolio update

Published: 28 March, 2019

Buckingham Schenk has bumped up its number of vegetarian-friendly wines, which now account for 70% of its wine list.

Shift from shop to showroom is vital for the future of retail, says Majestic CEO

Published: 27 March, 2019

The chief executive of the newly rebranded Naked Wines has defended the decision to trim down its 200-store estate while shifting investment focus to the online side of the business.

Gerard Basset memorial plans announced

Published: 27 March, 2019

The Basset family is to hold a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Gerard Basset OBE, MS, MW, MSc (OIV).

Chaîne des Rôtisseurs unveils top young somm, chef and winner of Gerard Basset Tasting Trophy

Published: 26 March, 2019

The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs has unveiled the winners of its Young Sommelier and Young Chef awards 2019, alongside the winner of the first Gerard Basset Tasting Trophy.

The Consorzio Barbera d’Asti e Vini del Monferrato reports volume drop

Published: 25 March, 2019

The Consorzio Barbera d’Asti e Vini del Monferrato has reported a decrease in overall volume of bottling compared to 2017, but said 2018 was “a very positive year” for Monferrato wine.