Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

California: Western promise

Published: 13 May, 2019

A recent California Wines tasting convinced many that the Golden State is back on track. Andrew Catchpole reports on its refreshed identity

Nederburg Auction changes to Cape Fine & Rare Wine Auction

Published: 10 May, 2019

The Nederburg Auction, which owned by Distell’s in 1975, has evolved into the Cape Fine & Rare Wine Auction to be held in October.

Co-op ramps up rosé range

Published: 10 May, 2019

The Co-op has “massively boosted” its rosé portfolio, adding 10 new lines as part of a spring range refresh.

The week that was

Published: 10 May, 2019

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, here’s a review of the top online news, analysis, opinion and features.

Penfolds and Thiénot launch anniversary Champagne

Published: 10 May, 2019

Penfolds has teamed up with Thiénot to release three Champagnes to mark Penfolds 175th anniversary.

Off-Piste Wines secures place in The Sunday Times International Fast Track 200

Published: 10 May, 2019

Off-Piste Wines has secured a place in the 2019 Sunday Times HSBC International Fast Track 200.

IWC reveals Trophy winners

Published: 09 May, 2019

The International Wine Challenge (IWC) has announced its 2019 Trophy winners.

Romania's Cramele Recaș winery certified vegan

Published: 09 May, 2019

Cramele Recaș, Romania’s largest winery, has been certified as vegan following an inspection by the Bureau Veritas Certification.

Vineyard Cellars appoints Dave Allen as new director

Published: 09 May, 2019

Vineyard Cellars has appointed Dave Allen to the role of director as the Californian fine wine merchant looks to grow its portfolio.

WSTA slams Scottish government glass deposit return scheme

Published: 09 May, 2019

The WSTA has hit out at the deposit return scheme launched by the Scottish government for including glass bottles, citing industry concerns that existing glass recycling procedures are already “efficient and well-understood”.

Bancroft expands organic menu

Published: 08 May, 2019

Bancroft Wines has expanded its organic menu with the addition of Chilean Nuevo Mundo.

Local heroes abroad: GB wine exports rise

Published: 08 May, 2019

English and Welsh wines are on a real roll, and not just at home. Exports are expected to rise significantly over the next few years, reports Lisa Riley

All Bar One introduces sustainable rosé range

Published: 07 May, 2019

All Bar One will launch a new sustainable rosé wine collection on 4 June 2019. It will include Mirabeau Prêt-à-Porter wine in a 250ml can from Provence, which it said is more environmentally friendly than bottled wine as it is lighter to transport.

South African harvest slumps to record low

Published: 07 May, 2019

The South African wine grape harvest in 2019 hit a record low thanks to a drought and fluctuating weather conditions. However, winemakers are positive about the quality of the resulting vintage.

Guy Woodward: On good breeding in wine

Published: 07 May, 2019

From the moment visitors touch down at Lexington’s Blue Grass airport, they are confronted with stylised images of two of Kentucky’s most prominent industries. The local tourist board seems keener, funnily enough, to promote the state’s whiskies and horses than its other famous export. Compliant stooge that I am, I took in both pursuits over the course of a whistle-stop tour last month.

Waitrose adds first English ‘orange’ wine to menu

Published: 03 May, 2019

Waitrose has expanded its English wine menu with seven new offerings, including its first homegrown ‘orange’ wine.

People's Choice Awards recognises women-driven wines

Published: 03 May, 2019

A wine competition judged by consumers has added a new category to highlight the contributions of female winemakers.

Bodegas Fabre reports “exceptional vintage”

Published: 01 May, 2019

Bodegas Fabre has said its 2019 vintage in Mendoza has benefitted from excellent conditions at its vineyards in the Uco Valley and Lujan de Cuyo.

Australian wine exports to UK up in value but volume stagnant

Published: 01 May, 2019

Exports of Australian wine to the UK jumped 4% in value to AUD$388 million last year, and 0.1% in volume to 242 million litres.

Albourne Estate bottles excess grapes for new frizzante

Published: 29 April, 2019

A Sussex estate has chosen to bottle its leftover grapes as an Italian-style fizz after last year’s super harvest meant producers were left with grapes still hanging on the vine.