Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Amathus strengthens Priorat and Montsant

Published: 06 March, 2019

Amathus Drinks has expanded its Spanish portfolio with the addition of two new Catalonian producers: Celler l’Encastell from Priorat and Celler Masroig from Montsant.

Boom in Tassie vineyards as producers capitalise on cooler climate premium

Published: 18 February, 2019

Tasmania’s vineyard area has grown by 25% over the past two growing seasons, with plans for another 15% increase in the pipeline, as both local and mainland Australian producers invest in the island’s viticultural scene.

Artadi joins Pol Roger

Published: 25 October, 2018

Pol Roger Portfolio has announced it will be distributing the wines of Spanish producer Bodegas Artadi, bringing the full range to the UK from November 1.

Rhône coops chase cru margins to balance tough market

Published: 22 August, 2018

Rhône Valley cooperatives are on a mission to premiumise their offering, as market pressures mean they can “no longer compete with the New World at £3 a bottle”.

Why the Rhône’s white evolution is gathering pace

Published: 09 August, 2018

The Rhône Valley is not – predominantly – known for its whites.

Record-breaking weather means Champagne harvest will begin in August

Published: 27 July, 2018

The 2018 Champagne harvest will become only the fifth vintage in the last 15 years to begin in August, according to the Comité Champagne.

Olivier Dauga encourages French producers to adopt sustainable and organic practices

Published: 17 July, 2018

French wine consultant Olivier Dauga was in town last night to present a number of new conversion projects with wine producers in Bordeaux, South and South West France, which focus on organic conversion and sustainability.

Occitanie rosé in the pink as UK market dries up

Published: 26 June, 2018

Sales of rosé wines from the South of France are in the pink despite rosé’s waning popularity across Britain, according to wine producers from the Occitanie region.

Co-op's major own label conversion boosts UK Fairtrade wine volumes by 20%

Published: 07 May, 2018

The Co-op’s new conversion of its major own-label range will boost the UK’s Fairtrade wine volumes by 20%.

Californian producers target London and Edinburgh

Published: 20 April, 2018

The annual Golden State Tasting is to take place in Scotland for the first time to capitalise on the popularity of Californian wines north of the border.

Call for greater clarity on low and no alcohol labelling reaches House of Commons

Published: 07 March, 2018

MPs are gathering in the House of Commons today to tackle the “confusing” labelling of low alcohol and alcohol-free drinks.

UK bound: French Wine Discoveries

Published: 22 January, 2018

It can be a double-edged sword being a French winemaker.

Boutique boost for Hayward Bros New World portfolio

Published: 05 January, 2018

London-based importer Hayward Bros is capitalising on a trend for artisanal New World wines with the addition to its portfolio of several smaller scale wineries this January.

Uruguay’s winemakers target UK 'global shop window'

Published: 14 November, 2017

As an Atlantic-cooled nation of just 3.4 million people, Uruguay and its winemakers are keenly aware of the need to differentiate its wine offer from that of the country's major South American rivals, viewing the UK as an unrivalled platform to achieve that aim.

How the “crazy” state of Prosecco’s 23p price erosion could be about to change

Published: 17 October, 2017

The media last week widely reported that the average price for a bottle of Prosecco has fallen a further 23p over past year as competition drives down prices.

Wanderlust e-merchant sets out to help wine-lovers “explore”

Published: 19 September, 2017

New online wine merchant, Wanderlust, is being launched with the aim of bringing as yet undiscovered artisanal wines from around the world to the UK.

Championing Grower Champagnes

Published: 10 July, 2017

The Good Wine Shop’s second annual Grower Champagne Month this June saw a swathe events dedicated to celebrating these artisanal scale wines. Co-founder Derek Morrison explains why they do it, what it’s all about and how he is looking to grow this initiative for next year.

Halewood secures £50m debt facility

Published: 10 March, 2017

Halewood Wines & Spirits has secured a £50m debt facility from Royal Bank of Scotland as part of its strategy to develop a balanced portfolio of spirits.