Sustainability: a transatlantic conversation with California Wines

Harpers and California Wine Institute hosted an insightful and far-reaching seminar at London’s Design Museum, delivering the core message that the wine world is well-placed to better engage consumers in supporting the true costs of advancing sustainability. Andrew Catchpole reports

Daniel Lambert lands Hollick exclusive

Daniel Lambert Wines has added to its growing portfolio of estate wines with a new exclusive agreement with Coonawarra’s Hollick.

Villa Maria hails “greatest ever harvest”

Top kiwi winemaker Villa Maria is full of enthusiasm for its wines from the 2019 vintage, with “numerous highlights” from the Hawkes Bay and Gisborne areas leading the winery to declare its best ever harvest.

Flavoured and spiced to replace white as favourite rum style in UK off-trade

Flavoured and spiced rums are storming their way to becoming the most drunk style of rum in the off-trade, and could be the most sold style in the UK by the end of the year.

Côtes du Rhône targets 30-45 age group for new global campaign

The trade body for France’s Côtes du Rhône has unveiled plans to target consumers in their thirties and forties, with a new logo and marketing strapline that highlights the region’s quality, heritage and provenance.

Rioja 2018 given the thumbs up from the DOCa despite weather woes

The Rioja vintage for 2018 has been classified as ‘Good’ despite the uncertainty around the impact of unpredictable weather conditions on the region.

Jerry Lockspeiser: What’s the cost of a decent bottle of wine?

The You and Yours programme on BBC Radio 4 recently ran a piece in which a £7.50 Chinese wine in Sainsbury’s was described by the interviewer as “cheap and cheerful”. A flurry of listeners comments followed, aghast that £7.50 should be thought cheap. Many were paying £4-5, unable to afford more, and generally happy with what they were buying. One listener said his wine buff family members couldn’t tell the difference between his £4-5 wines and more expensive ones anyway.

2018 Burgundy: excellent reds and solid whites

Panos Kakaviatos reports from Hospices de Beaune on the ins and outs of the 2018 vintage. 

Wines of Japan: Harpers takes a closer look at what the country has to offer

Japan has had a boost in winemaking productivity over the past decade, particularly among smaller, artisanal producers who are now leading the charge for quality and innovation. We took a closer look at a country which is focusing outwards on growing its reputation and inwards on winemaking expertise.

Low disease pressure and minimal intervention casts warm glow over UK wine industry

The week that was

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, here’s a review of the top online news, analysis, opinions and features.

Jerry Lockspeiser: Why companies with a lot to lose usually do

“In today's fast-paced world, leaders need to move at speed. The rate of innovation and change in organisations and the challenges of impatient investors or shareholders mean leadership decisions must be quick, smart and deliver real impact. “

Low alcohol wine still losing out to mocktails and beer

We know that consumers are more health conscious than ever before, with sustainably sourced avocado on toast becoming the zeitgeist for a generation which is also increasingly moderating its alcohol consumption.

Bisol puts the spotlight on top tier Prosecco

Leading Italian producer Bisol has announced a portfolio overhaul to enforce its position as the “benchmark” for Prosecco Superiore di Valdobbiadene DOCG – one of the two main DOCGs for Prosecco.

Italian diversity paving the way for premium Prosecco?

A greater appreciation of Italy’s regions and varietal diversity could be laying the groundwork for the longevity of Prosecco, according to experts.

Meet The Buyers: Noel Reid, Robinsons Brewery

Our series continues with wine buyer Noel Reid, who oversees the evolving and quality wine portfolio at regional brewer, Robinsons Brewery.

Meet the buyers: Lydia Redfearn, Adnams

Our series continues with wine buyer Lydia Redfearn, who oversees the evolving and quality wine portfolio at regional brewer, Adnams. 

Europe leads private label premiumisation

The quality of private label wines are on the up – and Europe is leading the pack.

Italian sparkler sets out its stall for more UK market share

Lombardy sparkler Franciacorta is embarking on a major push into the UK market following its 50th anniversary. Jo Gilbert reports

English Sparkling: Spotlight on potential

Jo Gilbert looks at what the future may hold for English sparkling wines at home and abroad