News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Take part: Harpers Drinks Trade Innovation Survey

Published: 15 July, 2026

Harpers readers are invited to take part in our Drinks Trade Innovation Survey, the results of which are to be published in our August issue.

Potential benefits for UK trade as India FTA comes into force

Published: 15 July, 2026

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the UK and India has today (15 July) come into force, with tariff cuts and dedicated support for SMEs both up for grabs.

Taylor’s releases first ever ‘Very, Very Old White Port’

Published: 14 July, 2026

Taylor’s Port has announced the release of its first ‘Very, Very Old White Port’ (VVOP White), which is crafted from white Ports that have been aged for more than 80 years in seasoned oak casks.

IWSR: Notion Gen Z is moderation generation now ‘conclusively debunked’

Published: 14 July, 2026

Data from the latest Bevtrac survey from drinks analytics provider IWSR – which assesses consumer behaviour across 15 key markets – reveals that the drinking rate of Gen Z (legal drinking age to 28) has stabilised at 74%. This figure represents an 8 percentage point rise compared to three years prior (66%).

Tayēr + Elementary launches pop-up series with residency at Cato

Published: 13 July, 2026

Monica Berg and Alex Kraterna – the founders of cocktail bar Tayēr + Elementary – have announced the launch of a new pop-up series called ‘What if?’.

Hollywood actor turned winemaker Sam Neill passes away

Published: 13 July, 2026

Sam Neill, best known for his roles in the Jurassic Park films but also much respected in the trade for his Two Paddocks wines, has died “suddenly and unexpectedly”, according to reports by the BBC and others.

Sell on flavour profiles and relative value, says Rum Show panel

Published: 13 July, 2026

The Whisky Exchange’s annual Rum Show (10-11 July) is by any measure a comprehensive affair, bringing together over 40 producers, featuring 350-plus rums, with both trade and consumer slots for good measure.

Winebuyers to relaunch with sights set on US

Published: 13 July, 2026

Online wine retailer Winebuyers is set to relaunch with an expanded remit – including beer; coffee; and tea – with its sights also set on expanding into the US market.

Breaky Bottom Vineyard put up for sale in move to preserve legacy

Published: 13 July, 2026

Breaky Bottom Vineyard has been put on the market for £4,000,000 following founder Peter Hall’s death last October, in a move that looks to safeguard and continue his and his widow Christine’s pioneering work.

Wine GB calls on government for duty relief at the cellar door

Published: 20 July, 2026

The annual Wine GB Conference late last week (16 July) called for more government support for the fast-growing sector, launching a ‘Wine Tourism Relief’ campaign, to help drive forward the development of cellar door business.

New Generation Wines acquires Bancroft

Published: 14 July, 2026

Importer-wholesaler New Generation Wines has announced that it has acquired Bancroft Wines.

Wanderlust Wine appointed exclusive UK importer for Sardinian winery Mesa

Published: 10 July, 2026

Cantina Mesa – a winery based in the Sulcis region of south-west Sardinia – has made Wanderlust Wine its exclusive UK importer.

Golden Vines returns to London for sixth edition

Published: 09 July, 2026

Leading fine wine and rare spirits awards The Golden Vines is returning to London for its sixth edition this November.

Three-year campaign highlighting Iberian wines launches in the UK

Published: 09 July, 2026

Celebrate the Diversity, a new three-year campaign aimed at raising awareness for Spanish and Portuguese wines has launched across the UK market.

Entries for Harpers Design Awards 2026 now open

Published: 09 July, 2026

The Harpers Design Awards 2026 are now open to all drinks brands and design agencies looking to highlight the presentation and functionality of their products in a wide range of categories.

Alliance Wine: Activequity secures majority shareholding, Tynan takes full executive control

Published: 08 July, 2026

Premium wine trade investment firm Activequity has become the majority shareholder of Scotland-based importer Alliance Wine. Management at Alliance retain a significant stake in the company.

Gusbourne marks 20 years of winemaking with rare cellar release

Published: 08 July, 2026

To celebrate 20 vintages of winemaking, Gusbourne Estate is opening its cellar for a rare release of wines – some of which may not be available in this form again.

Finalists for 67 Pall Mall Global Wine Communicator Awards unveiled

Published: 08 July, 2026

Private members club 67 Pall Mall has revealed the 2026 cohort of finalists for its Global Wine Communicator Awards.

Assovini Sicilia introduces new generation of leadership headed by Gabriella Favara

Published: 08 July, 2026

Marsala native Gabriella Favara has been appointed as the president of Assovini Sicilia by the trade organisation’s newly elected board of directors.

Winners of Wine Australia trip ‘down under’ announced

Published: 07 July, 2026

Wine Australia has announced the six sommeliers and on-trade buyers that will be joining it on their first-ever trip to the country’s wine regions in November 2026.