Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Buyer’s Spotlight: Patient Picpoul

Published: 04 August, 2026

While some trade commentators like to write about the death of appellations and the inability of European wine laws to challenge the agility of New World brands, I have just three words: Picpoul de Pinet. A runaway success in export markets, Picpoul de Pinet has become a household name in the UK, rising up the ranks to full AOC status in 2013. Still a staple of pub wine lists and ubiquitous in seafood restaurants, Picpoul successfully poached Muscadet’s customers in the 21st century.

Jerry Lockspeiser: What key factors turn a wine into a successful brand?

Published: 25 November, 2025

Assume you are the producer or distributor of a new wine. You think the wine looks great, tastes even better and offers terrific value. You want it to sell well to its target market for many years. What do you think is the essential factor to make this dream become reality?

Think Gin Debate: Innovation vs Integrity

Published: 19 June, 2019

As flavoured gins continue to drive rapid growth and innovation in the category, concern grows over how to ‘future proof’ the spirit and prevent it becoming a victim of its own success.