Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

English wine initiative reaches 13 million consumers

Published: 17 April, 2020

The #theBIGenglishwinegoodfriday initiative has been hailed an "unmitigated success" by English and Welsh wineries, reaching 13 million consumers.

Wine tourism website launches online wine shop to help during coronavirus

Published: 05 April, 2020

Wine Cellar Door, the website set up to help people find visitor-friendly vineyards in the UK, has launched an online wine shop.

Black Chalk tweet evolves into support initiative for English wine industry

Published: 03 April, 2020

Black Chalk winemaker Jacob Leadley has inadvertently started a support initiative for the English wine industry.

Chapel Down says “very well placed” to weather the crisis but temporarily stops beer production

Published: 01 April, 2020

Chapel Down has said it believes it is “very well placed to weather the crisis and thrive in the aftermath”, but has temporarily closed its beer and cider arm, Curious Brewery.

Ridgeview supports Hospitality Action

Published: 26 March, 2020

Ridgeview has pledged to support Hospitality Action via a new initiative that will see the Sussex winery donate £2 for every bottle of its sparkling wine sold online to the charity.

Hambledon switches from FM&V to Mentzendorff as it looks to ramp up distribution

Published: 28 February, 2020

Hambledon Vineyards and Fields, Morris & Verdin (FM&V) have revealed plans to part ways as the English sparkling wine producer seeks to ramp up its UK distribution.

Fox & Fox renews focus and steps up production

Published: 14 February, 2020

Fox & Fox has announced plans to double its capacity as part of a new strategy to focus expressly on "wine making and marketing".

Langham winemaker leaves to establish sustainable winery

Published: 07 February, 2020

The head winemaker at Dorset winery Langham Estate has branched out on his own to embark on a sustainable winemaking venture.

Hattingley secures £7.5m finance facility

Published: 28 January, 2020

Hattingley Valley has secured a £7.5m finance facility from PNC Business Credit to support its continued growth plans.

WineGB to exhibit as ‘major generic body’ at LWF

Published: 27 January, 2020

WineGB has announced it will exhibit at this year’s London Wine Fair (LWF) as a major generic body for the first time.

Looking back on a decade - Part two

Published: 24 January, 2020

2010-2020 delivered incredible change on both a domestic and an international level. The Harpers team peers back at some of the key stories that continue to shape today’s trade

Mannnings Heath reveals new winery plans

Published: 21 January, 2020

Mannings Heath Golf and Wine Estate has proposed plans to build a winery, tasting room and restaurant on its 500-acre West Sussex site.

Gusbourne expands global reach

Published: 19 December, 2019

Gusbourne has announced it is extending its global reach with new distribution partners in seven countries from the start of 2020.

Aldi picks Lyme Bay for first own-brand English fizz

Published: 09 December, 2019

Aldi has chosen the Dorset-based Lyme Bay Winery to produce an English sparkling wine for its premium ‘Exquisite Collection’.

IWC awards English red gold for the first time

Published: 28 November, 2019

Kent’s Hush Heath has been awarded a gold medal by the International Wine Challenge (IWC) for its The Red Miller 2018 red wine, marking the first time an English red has claimed the top award.

Specialist Indies talk shop and more...

Published: 13 November, 2019

Independent wine merchants are specialist retailers in their own right offering a service, range and expertise that more general retailers, such as grocers, will always struggle to match.

Matthew Clark partners with Sixteen Ridges to launch By Golly Nouveau

Published: 12 November, 2019

Matthew Clark has partnered with Herefordshire winery Sixteen Ridges to launch By Golly Nouveau - an early release Pinot Noir - to celebrate the French November tradition for young, fruity wines.

Gusbourne declares high quality and quantity vintage

Published: 08 November, 2019

Gusbourne has declared 2019 “yet another” high quality and quantity vintage.

Macknade opens shop championing Kentish wine

Published: 22 October, 2019

Kent-based foodhall Macknade has taken on a wine retail outlet offering 400+ wines,

Lyme Bay launches first own-label English wine for Morrisons

Published: 09 October, 2019

Lyme Bay winery has produced a still white wine exclusively for Morrisons marking the first time the multiple retailer has offered consumers an own-label English wine.