Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

South African bulk wine takes a tumble as exporters play up premium

Published: 24 February, 2017

New data shows that bulk wine diminishing in volume and value dogged the success of South African wine in the UK in 2016.

Resurrected Western Wines concept focuses on post-referendum opportunities for UK bottling

Published: 02 February, 2017

The family behind the now defunct Western Wines is re-launching part of its business model to export South African bulk to wine to the UK.

Hess Family sells Glen Carlou to Pactolus

Published: 20 December, 2016

Hess Family Wine Estates is selling its prestigious South African Glen Carlou winery to the Pactolus Consortium, headed by tech investor and serial entrepreneur Wayne Pitout, for an undisclosed sum.

Wine trends: Predictions 2017

Published: 13 December, 2016

White from red regions, Loire and premium US whites are going to be 2017's big winners, according to Bibendum.

Men driving growth of Fairtrade wine says Co-op

Published: 08 December, 2016

Evidence that the growing number of ethically sourced and social responsible drinks companies is in response to consumer demand for alcohol with a conscience has been backed by data from the Co-op which revealed that its sales of Fairtrade wine are up 25% YOY.

Distell breaks contracts as it moves to direct distribution

Published: 20 October, 2016

South African alcohol producer Distell has unveiled plans to bring the distribution of all its brands in-house so that it can directly manage the sales and marketing of its UK portfolio.

Q&A: Ken Forrester, owner, Forrester Wines

Published: 14 October, 2016

The man known as Mr Chenin tells Harpers how he views the South African wine market's evolution over the past 20 years - and what his plans are now after selling a significant stake in his business to French group AdVini.

South African wine producer plans new English vineyard on Sussex golf course

Published: 12 October, 2016

South African wine producer Benguela Cove has bought a golf course in Sussex with the aim of establishing a vineyard.

South African wine reaches all time high at auction

Published: 19 September, 2016

Prices at the 42nd annual Nederburg Auction reached all all-time high at the weekend.

Robinsons adds trio to South African portfolio

Published: 19 September, 2016

Robinsons Brewery are about to begin an exclusive partnership with three South African boutique wine producers.

The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

Published: 16 September, 2016

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

AdVini acquires a 50% share of share in Ken Forrester Vineyards

Published: 15 September, 2016

AdVini, a predominately French wine estate owner, has acquired a 50% share in South African producer Ken Forrester Vineyards.

The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

Published: 26 August, 2016

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have done a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Investment holding back Stellenbosch from becoming top tourism destination

Published: 25 August, 2016

A leading US wine expert has said that investment is the only thing stopping Stellenbosch from becoming as significant as Napa Valley in terms of popularity for wine tourism.

Over 100 producers to be on show at WOSA's Intrepid South Africa tasting

Published: 23 August, 2016

Wines of South Africa's 2016 annual tasting titled Intrepid South Africa will be showcasing wines from over 100 producers.

Tim Atkin: What will an EU exit mean for the wine trade?

Published: 08 July, 2016

What will Brexit mean for the wine business? In the traumatic week that has followed the referendum and the decision of 52% of voters to leave the European Union, the very question has seemed increasingly, almost fatuously, irrelevant.

UK winner of the Wines of South Africa Sommelier Cup announced

Published: 15 June, 2016

Wines of South Africa have praised the role sommeliers have played in driving 9% in the UK on-trade as the winner of the UK leg of their triennial Sommelier Cup is announced.

Insights: The rise of the owners club

Published: 24 May, 2016

In the space of just over 15 years, privately funded associations have become a defining feature of the global wine industry. In Europe, they arguably represent a manifestation of the growing dissatisfaction with the inadequacies of regional appellation bodies, which has subsequently encouraged winemakers to take matters into their own hands.

Analysis: New wine regions continue to emerge

Published: 12 May, 2016

New wine regions and areas with renewed vigour continue to emerge on to the world stage. Has there ever been a better time to drink wine?

Distell looks to increase market share in the UK

Published: 05 May, 2016

South African wine and spirits conglomerate Distell is focusing on expanding its market share in the UK according to Joseph Walsh the commercial director UK & Ireland.