News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

The Ritz duo win Copa Jerez UK

Published: 29 September, 2026

Sommelier Léonard Lievin and chef Aaron Blais – both from The Ritz Restaurant – have been announced as the winners of the Copa Jerez UK 2026.

Scottish government backs VAT campaign

Published: 29 September, 2026

The Scottish government has announced its support for the #VATsTheProblem campaign, which aims to cut VAT on hospitality to 10%.

Suntory ramps up small-format push

Published: 28 September, 2026

Suntory Global Spirits has announced the release of a 35cl format across whisky brand Jim Beam’s core and flavour ranges, giving shoppers what it called a “more accessible way to purchase”.

The Wine Society launches podcast on Spotify

Published: 28 September, 2026

The Wine Society has launched its Book & Bottle Club as a podcast on Spotify, expanding the author interview series into a new format.

Vinarchy launches Vintelligence growth plan

Published: 28 September, 2026

Vinarchy – the business formed out of the merger of Accolade Wines and Pernod Ricard Winemakers – has launched Vintelligence, an initiative designed to make aisles and menus easier to navigate for consumers.

Languedoc harvest: Wet winter allows for vineyard resilience following summer heat

Published: 28 September, 2026

Estates in France’s largest winegrowing region Languedoc have had a busy harvest this August and September. The region’s trade body CIVL detailed that producers are reporting quality white grapes, a good overall red harvest and resilient vineyards thanks to a wet winter.

Friday read: Ewelme Hills aims high with launch of still rosé

Published: 25 September, 2026

Ewelme Hills estate, in the Chiltern Hills above Ewelme village in South Oxfordshire, is a farm and vineyard founded in 2014 by Lubov Chernukhin, a leading British businesswoman, entrepreneur, philanthropist and investor. And it's first release, an on-trade focused still rosé, bodes well for what is planned to follow – namely a range grounded, to use Chernukhin words, in "quality" and "luxury".

Boutinot: David Sefton named MD amid suite of new appointments

Published: 24 September, 2026

Wine producer-wholesaler Boutinot has announced that David Sefton has been appointed MD of the Manchester headquartered business.

Majestic launches first ever digital loyalty scheme

Published: 24 September, 2026

Majestic has launched its first ever digital loyalty scheme, allowing customers to trade points for bottles of wine.

Liberty strengthens Australian portfolio with four new producers

Published: 24 September, 2026

Importer and wholesaler Liberty Wines has strengthened its Australian portfolio, adding four premium cool-climate and single-site wine producers to its range.

New Zealand wine exports rise despite global stagnation

Published: 23 September, 2026

Against a challenging backdrop for the country's wine industry, New Zealand wine exports climbed from 288.8 million to 306.2 million litres in the 12 months to June 2026, although value remained broadly flat at NZ$2.1bn.

Lea & Sandeman unveils new head buyer

Published: 23 September, 2026

Catherine Jaën MW has joined Lea & Sandeman as head of buying as the independent London merchant continues to invest in its fine wine division.

González Byass appoints new GM

Published: 23 September, 2026

González Byass has promoted international business director Enrique Murillo (pictured) to the position of general manager (GM), replacing César Sánchez Moral.

The Wine Society launches Ex-Château service for members

Published: 23 September, 2026

The Wine Society has unveiled a new Ex-Château programme, sourcing mature vintages directly from producers as it expands its fine wine service.

Iconic Oddbins artwork to go under the hammer

Published: 23 September, 2026

A personal collection of Ralph Steadman artwork, retained by a former Oddbins executive, will be auctioned this month.

Tamlyn Currin named OVC host for 2026

Published: 22 September, 2026

The Old Vine Conference (OVC) has named Tamlyn Currin, the senior editor of JancisRobinson.com, as its host for the 2026 event, which will be held at Piedmont’s Fontanafredda this December.

Napa Valley Vintners: New campaign aims to respond to shifting consumption

Published: 21 September, 2026

Californian trade body Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) has announced its plans to launch a new three-year marketing campaign. The initiative seeks to respond to shifting wine consumption habits.

Cramele Recaș: Top Romanian winery describes ‘bizarre’ month-early harvest

Published: 21 September, 2026

Leading Romanian wine producer Cramele Recaș has finished its earliest-ever harvest, with picking this year beginning a full month early.

Thorman Hunt welcomes inaugural South African producer Hasher Family Wines

Published: 21 September, 2026

Specialist wine importer Thorman Hunt has introduced Hasher Family Wines to its portfolio. The addition represents the first South African producer in the distributor’s wine offer.

Nick Gillett: Balancing sustainability with cost

Published: 21 September, 2026

As we transition out of the hottest summer on record and as effects of the supersized El Nino threaten to take hold in far corners of the world, it’s easy to see why we need to do more to fight climate change. The spirits trade (like any other industry) is a contributor to global warming and on the flip side is also an industry seriously threatened by it. After all, spirits and alcohol begin life as agricultural products, born of the land.