Jeroboams grows Aussie portfolio with Yarra Yering addition

Wine and spirits merchant Jeroboams has announced the addition of Australian estate Yarra Yering to its portfolio.

Australia-EU trade deal sees wine and spirits tariffs drop to zero

The new Australia-EU trade deal will see the introduction of zero-for-zero tariffs on wine and spirits exports. The agreement also sees new arrangements regarding EU and Australian ‘geographical indications’ (GIs).

How bright is the future of AI for the trade?

For the media – both trade and mainstream – the hype related to artificial intelligence’s disruptive potential has filled column inches. Despite huge claims from Silicon Valley’s tech leaders often not materialising, there are early signs the technology may be having an appreciable impact on productivity. An assessment of whether AI-induced progress has been made (or not) within the drinks trade is sorely needed. Harpers charts the lie of the land and speaks to a leading wine business about how AI’s integration – from vineyard to boardroom – has advanced.

IMW unveils details for Adelaide Symposium

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) has confirmed further details for its 11th International Symposium, which is to take place in Adelaide in April 2027.

Treasury Wine Estates hit with $649m AUD loss in H1

Australian industry giant Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has posted significant losses for the first half of its financial year – $649m (all money figures detailed in AUD). This comes after settling its dispute with US distributor RNDC earlier this month and most significantly the writing down of the value of its US business in November of last year.

Is it time for Australia to shift its focus?

David Kermode takes the temperature of the Australian wine market to determine whether its mass-market appeal still holds true or if it’s time to prioritise premiumisation.

Australian wine supply outstripping demand

Wine Australia has unveiled its Production, Sales and Inventory Report 2025 which detailed a worsening imbalance between supply and demand over the past year.

Dawn Davies showcases The Whisky Exchange’s agave spirits offer

At The Whisky Exchange’s impressive cellar on Great Portland Street, Dawn Davies MW, buying director at The Whisky Exchange Trade, guided Harpers through the company’s fresh agave spirits offer and explained the heady potential of the category.

Emergent trends from SWA 2025

The Sommelier Wine Awards (SWA) is more than just a blind wine tasting with medals. The very nature of the competition – on-trade-exclusive wines, judged solely by people who buy wine for hospitality venues – means that it’s also a great chance to get a somms’-eye view of what is happening in the on-trade supply chain.

Aussie sparkling House of Arras set for La Place debut

Australia’s most well-known sparkling wine, House of Arras, is set to debut on La Place de Bordeaux. Both the Tasmanian producer’s 2008 Arras E.J. Carr Late Disgorged and 2015 Arras Grand Vintage are due to join the historic institution.

Australia: Wine exports to China stabilise with other markets down

A new export report from Wine Australia shows that after an initial surge in sales after Chinese tariffs on Australian wine ended last year, Aussie wine sales to China have begun to stabilise.

Bancroft onboards Yarra Valley’s Oakridge Wines to portfolio

Importer Bancroft Wines has announced the addition of Oakridge Wines from Australia’s Yarra Valley to its portfolio.

Brand Phoenix partners with Australia’s McWilliam's Wines

Wine agency and distributor Brand Phoenix has unveiled a new partnership with New South Wales-based McWilliam's Wines.

Boutinot gains exclusive distribution of Peter Lehmann and Morris of Rutherglen

Greater Manchester importer-producer Boutinot has gained exclusive GB distribution of Peter Lehmann Wines and Morris of Rutherglen.

Producer Q&A: Giles Cooke MW, Thistledown Wines

From retailer to merchant to producer, Giles Cooke has spanned the wine trade. He talks Majestic, murder and McLaren Vale.

AWL announces creation of new global wine company Vinarchy

Australian Wine Holdco Limited (AWL), the consortium of institutional investors, has announced the creation of a new global wine company, Vinarchy. The announcement signals the finalisation of the sale of Pernod Ricard’s international wine portfolio to AWL.

Hill-Smith Family Estates reduces emissions by 38% since 2011

The Australian producer, Hill-Smith Family Estates, owner of 22 wine brands across its estates in Australia and New Zealand including Oxford Landing and Jansz Tasmania, has announced a 38% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions since 2011.

Australian wine exports buoyed by ending of Chinese tariffs

Australian wine exports showed an impressive 34% increase in value to $2.5bn (AUD) with volume up to 649m litres for 2024, according to Wine Australia’s export report.

Strategic evolution: what's next for Australia's big brands?

Berkmann announces Australian portfolio expansion

Berkmann Wine Cellars has announced the additions of Kooyong from the Mornington Peninsula and South Australia’s Rieslingfreak.