Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Champagne premiumisation: Growing discernment amongst consumers

Published: 13 February, 2026

On a pedestal it may often be placed, but even champagne is not immune to the trends enveloping the wine world. Overall, as a category, it continues to hold its position as a benchmark premium wine, remaining the fizz of choice for many private celebrations, high-end hospitality occasions and corporate events. But speak with leading brands, and the word ‘polarisation’ crops up severally, with a picture that somewhat mirrors that of still wine consumption. Shifts towards premium, more personal choices and ‘less but better’ appear to be defining choices when it comes to those celebratory occasions.

Anthony George Pigé Leschallas dies aged 92

Published: 29 January, 2026

Anthony George Pigé Leschallas – MD at Mentzendorff between 1972 and 1990 – has passed away aged 92.

Obituary: William Laurence “Bill” Page

Published: 01 December, 2025

Christopher Carson, co-founder & director at Carson & Carnevale Wines, pens a personal tribute to a much respected and tirelessly energetic stalwart of the UK drinks trade.

Bollinger hit English producer with legal threat over ad

Published: 30 October, 2025

Champagne house Bollinger has sent a cease and desist letter to English wine brand Folc. The legal challenge follows Folc’s publication of a social media advert which included the use of the words “Bollie” and “champers”.

King Charles reissues Royal Warrants

Published: 20 December, 2024

An eclectic list of importers, sparkling wine producers and distillers have been granted Royal Warrants by King Charles III.

‘Most buyer-friendly Champagne market in recent memory’ says Cult Wine

Published: 07 August, 2023

Cult Wine, the fine wine investment platform, believes the ‘slow-down’ of high-end vintage Champagne prices might provide an opportunity for potential investors in the coming months.

Bollinger expands Loire footprint with Hubert Brochard

Published: 01 July, 2022

The Bollinger Group has increased its presence in the Loire Valley with the acquisition of Sancerre’s Hubert Brochard estate.

Bollinger adds first cuvée in over a decade with Bollinger PN

Published: 06 July, 2020

Champagne Bollinger has added its first permanent cuvée in 12 years with the launch of Bollinger PN, the first of an intended series focusing on the house’s flagship grape.

Friday read: Teutonic sparkle

Published: 03 April, 2020

Despite a decline in German domestic consumption of its native bubbly sekt - per capita quaffing has dropped since 2010 from 3.9 to 3.3 litres - attention to quality, both individually and collectively, has never been greater.

Big name Champagnes fare best as Brexit hits smaller players

Published: 01 June, 2018

Brexit-related inflation is hitting drinkers of cheaper and less well-known Champagnes hardest in the UK as sales of entry-level bottles continue to fall, while bigger name brands and more expensive cuvées are faring better.