Winetraders signs up Hampshire’s Exton Park

Winetraders has expanded its listings with the addition of English sparkling wine producer Exton Park.

Trade bids fond farewell to Gerard Basset

Winchester Cathedral provided a fitting setting on Friday for the memorial service of Gerard Basset OBE, MS, MW, MBA, MSc (OIV), as members of the wine and hospitality worlds turned out in force to commemorate the remarkable life of a much loved and admired man.

Bacchus symposium de-codes potential of English wine’s “flag bearer”

Experimentation is the key to unlocking the potential of Bacchus, which is fast becoming a “flag bearer” for English wine, industry experts have said.

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, opinion and features.

Tim Atkin MW: The dangers of karaoke journalism

The two emails arrived on the same morning. The first was from Mark A, offering me an “exclusive invite” to join Biginfluencers.com and “connect with some of the biggest brands”; the second was a release about the launch of a Standardised Wine Rating System called iS Winescale. In their different ways, they both cut to the core of what it means to be a wine writer today. Are we still relevant? And if so, how and to whom?

Guy Woodward: I'm not trying to do sommeliers out of a job, but...

Tim Atkin MW: What Rowan Gormley could learn from Tony Laithwaite

Wine critic, broadcaster, co-chair of the IWC

IMW appoints new executive director

Rufus Olins has taken the top job at The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW).

Amathus strengthens Priorat and Montsant

Amathus Drinks has expanded its Spanish portfolio with the addition of two new Catalonian producers: Celler l’Encastell from Priorat and Celler Masroig from Montsant.

IMW unveils six new MWs

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) has announced six new MWs from six different countries.

Single site Sicilian range Mandrarossa makes it to Liberty Wines

Liberty Wines is swelling the ranks of its Sicilian portfolio with new producer,  Mandrarossa.

Tim Atkin MW: Closing off the cork-vs-cap conundrum

TIM ATKIN MW

Chaîne des Rôtisseurs GB announces the Gerard Basset Tasting Trophy

The British branch of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs has launched a new award for its Young Sommelier Competition in honour of Gerard Basset MS, MW, OBE, who lost his battle with cancer and passed away on 17 January.

Gerard Basset passes away

Harpers is saddened to hear that Gerard Basset has lost his battle with cancer and passed away on 17 January.

Hatch Mansfield signs distribution deal for Gaja

Hatch Mansfield has signed a deal as the exclusive UK agent for the Gaja family, marking the first Italian producer to join its portfolio

Rioja picks its leading lights for night of celebration

Raul Diaz, Bar 44 and Corks Out were some of the big winners at last night’s Rioja Recognises awards, which singles out the top ambassadors flying the flag for Spain’s flagship wine region.

Japan prepares to take on the world at second Wines of Japan tasting

As Japan continues to make waves in whisky, pushing outwards with its own distinctive style and winning awards left, right and centre, wine is poised to follow suit. Harpers joined Sarah Abbott MW at a recent Wines of Japan tasting – the follow-up to the inaugural UK event in February this year. We discovered a country ready to build on the newly signed free trade deal with Europe and take on the wine world.

IMW officially welcomes 14 new MWs to the fold

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) officially welcomed 14 new MW to its fold at its annual awards ceremony last night.

IMW welcomes Silicon Valley Bank to supporter community

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) has added Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) to its international supporter community.

Artadi joins Pol Roger

Pol Roger Portfolio has announced it will be distributing the wines of Spanish producer Bodegas Artadi, bringing the full range to the UK from November 1.