News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Virtual festival dedicated to ‘low-intervention’ wine launches this weekend

Published: 29 November, 2021

France’s only female Master of Wine has launched a new virtual wine festival Alive!, due to take place on 5 and 6 December.

Languedoc producer launches inaugural NFT scheme

Published: 29 November, 2021

A boutique wine label in the Languedoc Roussillon has become the first French wine brand to embrace cryptocurrency and sell digital assets via blockchain.

South Africa trade slams new travel ban

Published: 29 November, 2021

The international communities’ decision to prohibit travel to South Africa will have “significant implications” for the nation's struggling wine and tourism industries, according to oversight body VinPro.

Vega Sicilia moves into Galicia

Published: 29 November, 2021

One of Spain's most prestigious labels has set its sights on producing white wines in the Galicia region, according to the Spanish press.

Friday read: Prosecco DOC Rosé's future prospects

Published: 26 November, 2021

After years of intense lobbying by producers, the Prosecco Consortium finally allowed blended sparkling wine styles to be bottled under the 'Prosecco DOC Rosé' designation in 2020. Exports began in November last year, although there have been reports of a Pinot Noir shortage in 2021. Nevertheless, the category has got off to a flying start, with buoyant sales and an enthusiastic consumer reception. But how sustainable is this growth, and will it affect sales of 'ordinary' Prosecco?

'OIV must embrace the digital revolution to stay relevant’

Published: 26 November, 2021

The director general of the OIV has called upon the global wine industry to more quickly embrace the opportunities afforded by new technologies, in order to stay relevant in a fiercely competitive world.

CVNE to release second vintage of resurrected white Rioja

Published: 25 November, 2021

Leading Rioja winery CVNE will release a small volume of its 'new' white Rioja, Monopole Clasico Gran Reserva 2015, in 2022.

Rosé's global success ‘partly based on luck’, says UK buyer

Published: 25 November, 2021

The triumphant march of the rosé category cannot solely be attributed to the marketing genius of its key stakeholders, according to Jeroboams wine director Peter Mitchell MW.

Chilean multinational furthers sustainability drive

Published: 25 November, 2021

One of South America's largest wine producers has introduced a new set of sustainability requirements, including stringent rules pertaining to bottling and packaging.

Treasury Wine Estates unveils domestic violence pledge

Published: 25 November, 2021

Australian multinational Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has launched a domestic and family violence (DFV) pledge, outlining its commitment to prevent and respond to any domestic and family violence that may be impacting its team members.

Dates confirmed for SITT Spring London and Manchester events

Published: 25 November, 2021

Harpers Wine & Spirits has confirmed the dates for its spring editions of SITT - The Specialist Importers Trade Tasting.

Calorie labelling on alcoholic drinks gains pace

Published: 25 November, 2021

The latest market review released by the Portman Group has shown that almost half (47%) of alcoholic drinks sold in the UK now feature calorie information on labels, despite no legal requirement to do so.

Hallgarten & Novum Wines finalises major hospitality deal

Published: 24 November, 2021

Hospitality and entertainment management company Delaware North has appointed Hallgarten to supply wines to its UK stadia contracts and travel locations.

Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction achieves landmark sale

Published: 24 November, 2021

The 161st Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction has set a new world record, after €800,000 (£671,000) was bid for a barrel of Corton Renardes Grand Cru.

Scottish hospitality sector relieved as passport scheme not extended

Published: 24 November, 2021

Yesterday's announcement by the Scottish government that the Covid-19 passport scheme will not be expanded to encompass the wider licensed hospitality industry has been met with relief and jubilation.

WSTA lobbies government to solve HGV crisis

Published: 24 November, 2021

With Christmas almost upon us, the WSTA has called upon the UK government to take urgent action over HGV driver shortages and freight disruption to avoid “supply chain chaos” in December 2021 and beyond.

Trivento Malbec triumphs as UK's best-selling wine

Published: 24 November, 2021

Trivento's Reserve Malbec has become the best-selling wine SKU in the UK, according to recent Nielsen data.

C&C Group partners with Lockdown Liquor & Co

Published: 23 November, 2021

The C&C Group has signed an agreement to become exclusive distributors of a range of premium cocktails produced by Lockdown Liquor & Co.

Penfolds ventures into NFTs with Magill Cellar 3

Published: 23 November, 2021

Penfolds has unveiled a new partnership with digital assets trader BlockBar to sell a barrel of its tiny production Magill Cellar 3 wine for USD $130,000.

France and Chile main beneficiaries of Australia-China dispute

Published: 23 November, 2021

The ongoing dispute between Australia and its longstanding trade partner is creating unprecedented opportunities for competing nations to increase their market share, according to Rabobank’s Q4 Wine Quarterly report.