News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

The Wine Barn welcomes two new agencies into the fold

Published: 27 September, 2023

Leading specialist importer The Wine Barn has expanded its portfolio of German wineries with the addition of Grans-Fassian and Jürgen Ellwanger.

Indigo unveils Chile fundraising campaign

Published: 27 September, 2023

Indigo Wine has pledged to donate £1 for each bottle sold from their portfolio of Chilean wines, raising funds for producers affected by natural disasters in Itata and Maule.

New opening nears for Oxford Wine Group

Published: 26 September, 2023

The Oxford Wine Group is now set to open its new wine bar on Oxford’s High Street on 2 October in the centre of the city.

Symington Family Estates and Berry Bros. & Rudd launch Hambledon takeover bid

Published: 25 September, 2023

A newly incorporated entity owned directly by Berry Bros. & Rudd and Atlantis Win Holdings, a member of the Symington Group, has initiated a takeover bid for Hambledon Vineyard.

Ben Franks joins Canned Wine Co. full-time

Published: 25 September, 2023

Ben Franks, the CEO and wine buyer who founded Novel Wines, has stepped down from his role to join Canned Wine Co., full-time, as CCO from January 2024.

The drinks brand using ‘deconstructive ethanology’

Published: 25 September, 2023

A brand-new patented process, which removes the water and alcohol from any spirit, has been launched by Hocus Drinks.

Penedès heads to London with Xarel.lo under spotlight

Published: 25 September, 2023

DO Penedès is to host its first tasting in London, with a special focus on the Xarel.lo grape.

Leading Chianti estate slams ‘overhyped organic viticulture’

Published: 25 September, 2023

Chianti Classico producer Ricasoli has criticised growers who regard organics as the “definitive panacea for sustainability,” arguing that their methods are not without significant drawbacks.

Cask Whisky Association aims to protect whisky

Published: 22 September, 2023

The brand-new Cask Whisky Association (CWA) has been launched with the aim of protecting the overall reputation of Scotch whisky, while creating a ‘safe environment’ for whisky enthusiasts and customers to buy and sell casks.

Château Saint-Maur joins Bancroft

Published: 22 September, 2023

UK importer Bancroft Wines has added one of the finest properties in Provence, Château Saint-Maur, to its portfolio.

Oakley Wine Agencies strengthens its Spanish range

Published: 22 September, 2023

Oakley Wine Agencies (OWA), has added five new Spanish wineries to its portfolio, further solidifying the business as specialists in Iberian wine.

Friday read: Argentina ban adds economic tension for winemakers

Published: 22 September, 2023

Argentina can add a ban on invoices for overseas services to their woes as a number of top estates have been forced to pull out of marketing and advertising commitments abroad. It is another blow to the industry, as winemakers are forced grapple with yet more economic volatility and a situation which is increasingly creating an uneven competitive playing field in global export markets.

Berry Bros. & Rudd: We need to talk about Gringet

Published: 21 September, 2023

There are only 22ha of the Gringet grape variety left in the world, and 9.5 of them were owned by Dominique Belluard, the late Savoie producer. Before his death in 2020, Belluard developed the rare Gringet grape from something producers would just chuck into blends, to bonafide, standalone, single-varietal wines.

Wine Society outlines bold new sustainable initiatives

Published: 21 September, 2023

The Wine Society is to further its sustainable credentials with both a producer-focused insetting fund and a drive to 100% lighter weight glass across its portfolio.

Hospitality leaders hold on to optimism as inflation slows

Published: 20 September, 2023

Confidence is rising slightly among hospitality owners, new data suggest, despite inflation slowing at a ‘glacial’ pace and economic pressures in the offing, which could potentially leave the sector with a ‘billion-pound bill’.

Naked Wines announces £15m loss after delaying results

Published: 20 September, 2023

Yesterday (19 September), online wine retailer Naked Wines announced a £15m loss in the year to 3 April.

Friarwood launches first range of spirits

Published: 19 September, 2023

Independent fine wine merchant Friarwood has expanded its range to include spirits with the addition of four exclusive brands – Tromba Tequila, Per Se Aperitivo, Sash & Fritz Vodka and Ron Carúpano.

Hallgarten prioritises style over region

Published: 19 September, 2023

On Monday (18 September), specialist supplier Hallgarten & Novum presented 130 wines across its award-winning portfolio, including 50 new additions, at its autumn trade tasting.

Rhône puts its best foot forward at Yapp

Published: 19 September, 2023

Quality on-trade focused supplier Yapp Brothers showed why the Rhône Valley continues to be one of the best-value regions of France, with a presentation in London yesterday (18 September), which spanned every day drinking wines to those from top estates.