Record-breaking weather means Champagne harvest will begin in August

The 2018 Champagne harvest will become only the fifth vintage in the last 15 years to begin in August, according to the Comité Champagne.

McGuigan eye premiumisation trends as it launches largest ad campaign to date

McGuigan will focus on tube stations and major cities when it kicks off its biggest UK out of home marketing campaign this autumn.

Vintners Company £8,000 bursary for Geoffrey Roberts Award open for submissions

Entries are open for the £8,000 biennial Geoffrey Roberts Award, which recognises and rewards an individual that has furthered the cause for New World or emerging region wines.

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, opinions and features.

French wine producers hail anti-hail netting go-ahead

Wine producers have applauded the news that the INAO has officially approved the use of anti-hail netting in French vineyards describing it as a ‘positive development’.

Bancroft picks up Brokenwood from Negociants UK

Bancroft Wines has picked up the distribution of quality Australian wine estate Brokenwood Wines following the merger of Negociants UK into parent company, Fells.

Beer and pink gin help fuel rise in Diageo GB Sales

Diageo has seen its annual GB sales rise by 8% helped by its core gin and beer offering and ‘innovative’ NPD including pink gin.

Looking ahead: Neil Bruce, Fuller's

As the first half of 2018 draws to a close, Harpers asked key trade figures to highlight the current challenges, ongoing trends and opportunities

Bolney clinches deal with mainland China

Bolney Wine Estate has become the first English wine producer to secure distribution in mainland China.

Black Tower follows up healthy drinking trends with new 0.5% abv range

Black Tower is expanding its low alcohol offering in a bid to boost its appeal to health-conscious millennials at Christmas.

Sign up for SITT - the only trade tastings tailored purely for independent merchants

As the autumn buying window fast approaches Harpers is once again running it’s popular independent merchant-focused Specialist Importers Trade Tastings (SITT) in London and Leeds this September, and we look forward to welcoming all indie buyers at these events.

Hallgarten commended for environmental efforts

Specialist wine importer Hallgarten & Novum Wines has achieved the ISO 14001 accreditation for its efforts in minimising the environmental impact of its business operations.

Flint Wines eyes growth with new senior development manager

Specialist fine wine importer Flint Wines has hired a new company development manager as part of an “ambitious” five-year plan to drive the company forward.

Seely adds Napa winery to AXA Millésimes portfolio

AXA Millésimes, which owns leading wineries in Bordeaux, Burgundy, The Douro and Tokaj, has announced the acquisition of Outpost Wines on Howell Mountain in Napa Valley.

Redevined Wines to host LGBT wine event in Bordeaux

In a first for the region, the town of Blaye in Bordeaux is to host a European Gay Wine Weekend from 18 to 21 October.

Fever-Tree puts the UK at the forefront of premium and healthy drinking trends

Fever-Tree continues to gain ground in the UK and the US as the trend for premiumisation and healthy long drinks continues worldwide.

Gonzalez Byass UK to distribute Domäne Wachau

Gonzalez Byass UK has become the distributor for premium Austrian producer Domäne Wachau, taking over from Alliance Wine.

Global wine market grows value sales against static volume

Harpers Wine Stars Awards: Last chance to star in France, Italy and USA editions

Don’t miss out on the chance to enter our Harpers Wine Stars Awards – the country-specific competition which gives unprecedented media exposure to UK buyers.

Major sake festival pins down first date in London

The Joy of Sake, the world’s largest sake celebration outside Japan, has announced the date of its first-ever London date.