Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Bodegas LAN appoints Stevens Garnier as UK distributor

Published: 14 September, 2012

Sogrape owned Spanish winery Bodegas LAN, has appointed Stevens Garnier as its main agent in a bid to broaden its distribution.

New MW boosts Berry Bros total to six

Published: 13 September, 2012

Berry Bros & Rudd now has six Masters of Wine on its staff, following the news that its marketing manager Catriona Felstead MW, has gained the qualification.

Connoisseur Estates takes on Marabino Wines

Published: 13 September, 2012

The UK agency Connoisseur Estates is to represent Sicilian certified organic wine producer, Marabino Wines.

Beaujolais predicts low yields to match 2003 levels

Published: 13 September, 2012

Beaujolais is predicting a lower than average harvest for the 2012 vintage after repeated hail storms.

First South African wines to carry 'ethical seal' announced

Published: 13 September, 2012

The first wines to carry South Africa's new, fully traceable, ethical seal that protects employers against unfair discrimination, are to be showcased at Cape Wine 2012.

Isle of Arran re-launches Robert Burns multi-vintage edition

Published: 12 September, 2012

Scotch whisky producer, Isle of Arran Distillers, has just re-launched its Robert Burns Single Malt, a multi-vintage edition.

Merchants' triumph at IWC Awards

Published: 12 September, 2012

The great and the good of the UK and international wine trade were out in force last night to celebrate the top medal winners and stars on the retail scene at the International Wine Challenge Awards Dinner.

Gin and sparkling wine top best sellers list over Jubilee

Published: 12 September, 2012

Gin and sparkling wine were the big sellers across the Royal Jubilee celebrations, according to the latest WSTA market report.

AFWS announces UK Restaurant Manager of the Year finalists

Published: 12 September, 2012

Four restaurant managers have made it through to the final of the Academy of Food & Wine Service (AFWS), 2012 UK Restaurant Manager of the Year competition.

New gins experiment with unusual botanicals

Published: 11 September, 2012

Claiming to be the UK's newest artisanal spirits producer, The London Distillery Company is rolling out four gins made from unusual botanicals.

Champagne to take centre stage during Social Media Week

Published: 11 September, 2012

A week's activity dedicated to the impact and role of social media taking place around the world later this month will feature a case study hosted in London on how Champagne has become a key discussion topic area in new media.

Cellar Trends expands 'market insights' team

Published: 11 September, 2012

Distrubutor, Cellar Trends, has appointed Katy Carter as insight and brand manager in order to enhance its key market and trends research capability.

Nomacorc commissions new oxygen management research

Published: 11 September, 2012

Synthetic wine closure producer, Nomacorc, has initiated new research projects with three academic institutions in a bid to broaden its knowledge on wine and oxygen interaction.

Romanian Winegrowers announces SITT masterclass

Published: 11 September, 2012

Romanian Winegrowers, has announced it will host a masterclass showing a selection of "unique" Romanian wines, at SITT Autumn.

Julian Dyer to head up Australian Vintage in Europe

Published: 10 September, 2012

Wine producer Australian Vintage, (AVL) has confirmed its interim general manager UK & Europe, Julian Dyer has been appointed to the role on a permanent basis.

McWilliams to launch Weight Watchers endorsed wine range in the UK

Published: 10 September, 2012

Australian producer McWilliams is the first winery to sign an endorsement deal with Weight Watchers, the international diet programme, aimed at bringing lower alcohol wines to a new wider audience.

Mangrove adds Portobello Road Gin to portfolio

Published: 10 September, 2012

Portobello Road Gin has teamed up with national distributor Mangrove after its first year growth has "dramatically exceeded expectations".

Sir George Fistonich to celebrate 50 years of Villa Maria with London event

Published: 10 September, 2012

Owner and managing director of Villa Maria, Sir George Fistonich, is to celebrate the winery's 50th Vintage with a roadshow of events including one in the UK.

Fake restaurant reviews can lead to 'bankruptcy', says Got Juice

Published: 10 September, 2012

Online reputation management company, Got Juice has revealed one in 10 consumer reviews from sites such as Qype, Yelp and Trip Advisor are fake, causing restaurants to lose out on new sales or worse.

ICP rules Absolut London not in breach of code

Published: 07 September, 2012

The Independent Complaints Panel has ruled the design of the Absolut London bottle does not have a particular appeal to under 18s, after Alcohol Concern lodged a complaint.