Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Kingsland Drinks signs new partnership with The Iconic Estate

Published: 05 October, 2021

Kingsland Drinks has agreed a new partnership with Romanian wine producer – The Iconic Estate – in a move to further broaden its offering.

Long read: Raising a glass to Australian wines

Published: 30 September, 2021

The UK’s love for Australian wines shows no signs of abating. With good availability, competitive pricing, and good transport and distribution networks, supply from Australia is still extremely attractive for UK buyers and wine drinkers. Here, Paul Braydon, buying controller for Kingsland Drinks, delves into the wine trends emerging from Australia, shares insights on the category post-FTA (Free Trade Agreement), and what the UK drinks sector can expect to see next.

Dine-in occasions bounce back with a vengeance

Published: 29 September, 2021

Dine-in occasions are on the rise as consumers return in-person to restaurants – a shift in consumption patterns which has resulted in greater buy-in for drinks.

Alto Adige producing Cabernet Sauvignon to “rival Bordeaux”

Published: 16 September, 2021

Rising temperatures are encouraging winegrowers in Italy’s Alto Adige region to plant more Bordeaux varieties that had previously struggled to ripen, according to a leading producer.

Masi wraps organic range in sustainable style

Published: 09 September, 2021

Italian wine producer Masi Estates has launched a new range of organic wines in 100% sustainable packaging to meet growing consumer concern over sustainability.

Bancroft takes on distribution of Juliet Victor Tokaj

Published: 09 September, 2021

Bancroft Wines has teamed up with Tokaj producer Juliet Victor for the UK distribution of its single vineyard Furmints and sweet wines.

Five minutes with Adolfo Hurtado, Mont Gras

Published: 07 September, 2021

The charismatic winemaker at Chile’s Mont Gras talks to Lisa Riley about how growing up around vineyards influenced his three new wine ranges – Day One, Organic, and Devine Reserva – distributed by North South Wines.

Majestic launches new subscription club

Published: 01 September, 2021

Majestic has revealed details of its new subscription model — Wine Club’ by Majestic.

New Zealand vintage 'exceptional' but down 19%

Published: 14 June, 2021

The quality of the 2021 vintage has been described as "exceptional" throughout New Zealand’s wine regions, although the harvest was smaller than hoped for, according to New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW).

2020 Bordeaux ‘highest scoring vintage ever’ at top end

Published: 10 June, 2021

Based on a basket of 115 top wines, the 2020 Bordeaux vintage has been awarded the highest scores ever by Wine Lister’s partner critics.

Harpers Wine Stars Awards 2021: Italy

Published: 10 June, 2021

Highlighting the people and places wowing the judges in the Harpers Wine Stars Awards.

James Davis MW joins Henkell Freixenet

Published: 18 May, 2021

James Davis MW will be joining the Henkell Freixenet team in a newly created role from the first week of July.

Hawke's Bay hails trio of 'outstanding' vintages

Published: 26 April, 2021

Premium New Zealand wine region Hawke’s Bay has reported a third high quality vintage in a row, following “near perfect growing condition”.

Frost signals “significantly smaller” vintage for New Zealand harvest

Published: 20 April, 2021

Cooler spring weather and late frosts have led to a “significantly smaller vintage” for 2021, New Zealand Winegrowers has said, applying pressure at a time when the industry is facing increased production costs.

California: Challenging French supremacy

Published: 15 April, 2021

The smartly boxed and sleekly designed sample bottles distributed ahead of the recent California Wine Institute’s Essential California at Home series of tastings were eye-catching in other ways too.

Flint Wines makes Greek debut

Published: 10 December, 2020

Santorini-based Vassaltis Vineyards will be joining the ranks at Flint Wines, marking the first time the distributor has listed wines from the country.

Inter Beaujolais partners with home dining app

Published: 18 November, 2020

Inter Beaujolais is launching a new UK trade campaign to support restaurants which are finding customers in new ways during the coronavirus pandemic.

Cava DO to boost image with new website

Published: 27 October, 2020

The Cava DO has unveiled a new website aimed at boosting the image of the sparkling wine as a “quality product”.

South Africa looks to higher ground

Published: 22 October, 2020

Hard hit by the pandemic, South Africa’s winemakers are proving their resilience and fighting back with an eye on higher quality and pricing. By Andrew Catchpole

“Smallest vintage in living memory” delights Oz winemakers, if not accountants

Published: 16 June, 2020

Off the back of a “rollercoaster ride”, variously involving frosts, drought, heatwaves, horrendous bush fires and finally the disruption of Covid-19, Australia’s 2020 vintage is expected to produce some “sensational wines” from a very low yielding crush.