Harpers Taste Off: Adding more ‘oomph’ to sparkling sales

Everyone loves a glass of fizz and nowhere is this evidenced more than in the rise and rise of English sparkling. But it’s not just English bubbly that is buoying sales of wine. As Harpers recently reported, analyst firm IRI’s most recent FMCG Demand Signals report confirmed that across six major European markets, sparkling wine sales remain in robust shape, set against a 4% off-trade decline in wines, beers and spirits.

Waitrose spreads its bets this winter

Waitrose is doubling down on its strategy of offering ‘something for everyone’ at all price points, with a mixture of promotions and everyday low-price sales remaining key to the retailer’s approach this autumn in store and through Waitrose Cellar.

Tim Atkin MW: Rising from the ashes

Graham Beck appoints new cellar master

South African sparking wine brand Graham Beck has appointed Pierre de Klerk as their new chef de cave, replacing the incumbent Pieter Ferreira, who has been promoted to the role of chief operating officer.

Penfolds ventures into NFTs with Magill Cellar 3

Penfolds has unveiled a new partnership with digital assets trader BlockBar to sell a barrel of its tiny production Magill Cellar 3 wine for USD $130,000.

The Cellar puts spotlight on sustainability

THE CELLAR

Halliday to auction iconic DRC collection

Legendary Australian wine critic James Halliday is to auction 250 bottles of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti from his private cellar.

Tim Atkin MW: Beyond the cellar door

The pencil was as sharp as a tack. The tasting sheets were beautifully designed, with just the right amount of information: geeky, yet precise, containing useful details about vineyards and vinification techniques, but no vapid tasting notes. The water bottle was freshly cooled, the glasses polished and well chosen, the wines at exactly the right temperature. Every tasting should be like this, I found myself thinking, settling into a comfortable chair.

New head winemaker for Distell

South African wine and spirits producer Distell has appointed Andrea Freeborough as its new head winemaker.

Distell to launch fine wine division

African wine, spirits and cider giant Distell is set to launch a new premium wine division with Nederburg as its flagship, Harpers can reveal.

Meet the buyers: Gregory Andrews, D Vine Cellars

Hybrids that mix it up with wine and food spill the beans on how to juggle retail and in-house hospitality.