Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Prosecco announces sustained production and sales

Published: 08 March, 2021

Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG has announced sustained production and sales in 2020 in spite of the challenges brought on by Covid-19.

Long Read: English Pinot Noir comes of age

Published: 18 February, 2021

Pinot Noir has long had a place in UK winemaking, as part of the classic Champagne varieties and, to a lesser extent, still variants often from select vineyards or small parcels. Now, with an increasingly changing climate helping to ripen and tease out those darker fruits, it could be poised to strike out on its own, as Jacopo Mazzeo surmises.

Soaring demand for rosé and exports at Nyetimber

Published: 15 February, 2021

Nyetimber has reported a major spike in demand for rosé in 2020 from their south east England vineyards, despite the loss of social drinking occasions often associated with pink wines.

Enotria adds bubbles geared away from the Grandes Marques

Published: 16 December, 2020

Enotria & Coe has added a quartet of sparkling wines to its portfolio geared away from the Grandes Marques.

Balfour partners with Bibendum and Matthew Clark

Published: 14 December, 2020

Bibendum, Matthew Clark, and Walker & Wodehouse has signed a deal as the exclusive distributors for English wine producer Balfour Wines.

House of Commons in retail partnership with Digby Fine English

Published: 02 December, 2020

Sussex-based sparkling wine producer Digby Fine English has been appointed as the official supplier of English sparkling wine to the House of Commons gift shops.

Aldi claims supermarket first with Prosecco rosé launch

Published: 29 October, 2020

Aldi is gearing up to launch a Prosecco rosé, a move the retailer claims will make it the first supermarket to sell the pink bubbles.

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”.

I Heart Prosecco rosé launches

Published: 19 October, 2020

Freixenet Copestick has expanded the sparkling side of its I Heart portfolio with a Prosecco rosé and a limited edition festive Prosecco.

Wine GB launches industry hallmark for classic method wines

Published: 15 October, 2020

Wine GB has announced its first ever collective campaign for producers in England and Wales, including a hallmark to help to differentiate English and Welsh PDO sparkling wines made using the “time and craft-intensive classic method”.

Ridgeview marks quarter century with limited edition

Published: 06 October, 2020

Sussex winery Ridgeview has launched its first new wine in a decade to mark its 25th anniversary.

Oastbrook Estate releases second vintage Pinot Gris

Published: 22 September, 2020

Oastbrook Estate in Sussex has released its second vintage Pinot Gris 2019.

WSTA maps out UK visitor centres for thirsty ‘staycationers’

Published: 24 August, 2020

The Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has launched an interactive map of distilleries and wineries that are open to the public in the UK.

North South Wines expands no/low portfolio with La Gioiosa bubbles

Published: 17 August, 2020

North South Wines has expanded its no/low alcohol portfolio with a new sparkling drink from La Gioiosa.

Covid-19 takes the fizz out of the UK sparkling market

Published: 12 August, 2020

The loss of celebratory drinking occasions has put the breaks on an already slowing thirst for sparkling wine in the UK, new research has revealed.

Black Chalk enters Japanese market

Published: 06 August, 2020

English wine producer Black Chalk has secured distribution in Japan in a move driven by Black Chalk director and investor, Kenya Matsumoto.

Hattingley releases still red wine

Published: 30 July, 2020

Hattingley Valley has added a Pinot Noir to its recently launched still wine range.

Cellar Trends strengthens portfolio with Beau Joie

Published: 29 July, 2020

Drinks distributor Cellar Trends has strengthened its sparkling portfolio with the addition of Beau Joie Champagne as part of its UK growth strategy.

2020 Wine GB Awards gets underway

Published: 20 July, 2020

Wine GB has kickstarted the 2020 edition of its wine awards, with judging taking place throughout this week.

Producers of Prosecco Superiore vote to reduce production

Published: 14 July, 2020

Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG this week approved a decision by its members to reduce the yields for the 2020 harvest to avoid over-supply.