News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

London Wine Fair unveils new natural wine event

Published: 19 October, 2026

The team behind the London Wine Fair is launching a new public-facing event dedicated to low-intervention wines.

Alentejo announces region-wide lightweight wine bottle

Published: 19 October, 2026

Wines of Alentejo (CVRA) has unveiled its 390g lightweight bottle as it enters its final testing phase, with market launch planned for the end of 2027.

Pasqua Wines: The importance of influencers

Published: 19 October, 2026

Riccardo Pasqua, CEO of the Veneto-based estate, speaks to Harpers about the creative approach to communications which has bolstered the company's continued growth this year, explaining the increasing importance of influencers and the value of using social media to talk about wine.

Languedoc details promising harvest despite challenging season

Published: 19 October, 2026

An exceptionally hot and dry summer in the Languedoc has nonetheless yielded wines of “freshness and balance", according to a vintage report by the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Languedoc (CIVL).

Champagne brands outclass still wines in latest brand ranking

Published: 19 October, 2026

Champagne brands are continuing to outperform still wines in the global marketplace, according to a new report by Brand Finance.

Drinks Trust Gala collects over £92,000 to support industry workers

Published: 16 October, 2026

The Drinks Trust raised more than £92,000 at its annual gala on 14 October, used to support people working across the industry who face financial hardship and other challenges.

Argento returns to UK off-trade with revived listings

Published: 16 October, 2026

Argentine producer Bodega Argento is returning to the UK off-trade after a hiatus, launching a renewed range of organic and Fairtrade wines.

Duncan Savage moves UK distribution to Liberty Wines

Published: 16 October, 2026

Liberty Wines has welcomed Savage Wines, bringing the trailblazing Cape winery founded by Duncan Savage into its South African portfolio.

Whisky: Study highlights stronger fermentation could cut emissions by 16%

Published: 15 October, 2026

New research from researchers at Heriot-Watt University’s International Centre for Brewing and Distilling found that by increasing wash strength, distilleries could reduce emissions by up to 16%.

Napa Valley commits $2.5m to Red Blotch research

Published: 15 October, 2026

Winegrowers and wineries from the Napa Valley have committed $2.5 million to launch Phase One of the Grapevine Red Blotch Virus (GRBV) Research Initiative, a public-private collaboration which is designed to push forward research into the disease.

Italian harvest: Intense heat, early picking, and acid management define year

Published: 15 October, 2026

Italy’s 2026 vintage was overall marked by intense heat and prolonged dry periods, with careful vineyard management proving crucial to preserving freshness and balance, according to initial reports from wineries across the country.

Hospitality VAT petition delivered to 10 Downing Street ahead of Budget

Published: 14 October, 2026

The #VATsTheProblem campaign has attracted more than 400,000 signatories from across the hospitality sector, with an official petition delivered to the Prime Minister's office two weeks before Chancellor Healey's 28 October Budget.

Sommelier Wine Awards 2027 open for submissions

Published: 14 October, 2026

The Sommelier Wine Awards (SWA) has opened to entries for its 2027 round of judging.

BIH Spotlight Awards 2026 winners unveiled

Published: 14 October, 2026

London’s swish Quaglino’s once again provided the backdrop for the Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH) Awards bash this year, with the popular event bringing together 300 industry professionals to celebrate the sector’s Black and ethnic minority talent.

The Savoy launches Beaufort Wine Bar

Published: 14 October, 2026

Iconic London hotel The Savoy has opened the Beaufort Wine Bar, a new wine-focused bar featuring more than 250 selections from 18 countries, including niche propositions from Croatia to Tenerife, as well as Bordeaux First Growths, blue-chip Burgundy and mature Champagne.

Coterie announces landmark Berry Bros. & Rudd Japan deal

Published: 14 October, 2026

Coterie Holdings has unveiled plans to acquire Berry Bros. & Rudd’s (BBR) Japanese wholesale business, strengthening the company’s distribution footprint in Asia.

Centre-Loire announces ‘extraordinary’ harvest

Published: 13 October, 2026

The Centre-Loire has described 2026 as an “extraordinary vintage” as it releases its annual report, detailing a harvest which began in Reuilly on 12 August, and finished around 11 September.

Liberty gains Spanish estates showcasing terroir and indigenous varieties

Published: 13 October, 2026

Importer Liberty Wines has added two more projects from well-known winemaker Telmo Rodríguez. Also joining its Spanish portfolio is Valencia’s Javi Revert as well as Rías Baixas’s Forjas del Salnés.

Berry Bros. & Rudd refreshes private client service with House of 1698

Published: 12 October, 2026

Historic wine merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd (BBR) has unveiled a reimagined private client service named House of 1698.

Heriot-Watt brewing and distilling centre could add £53.4m to economy

Published: 12 October, 2026

Fresh analysis from BiGGAR Economics predicted that Heriot-Watt University’s proposed Centre for Advanced Brewing and Distilling (CABD) could generate £53.4m annually for the Scottish economy.