News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Welsh vineyard set to pioneer country’s first Charmat method wine

Published: 26 October, 2026

Pembrokeshire-based Velfrey Vineyard is set to produce Wales’s first Charmat method sparkling wine made from Welsh-grown grapes.

Twenty Port producers exhibiting as IVDP-hosted tasting returns

Published: 26 October, 2026

Portuguese trade body the IVDP is returning to London with its Grand Port Wine Tasting. The event will also see a top somm awarded the Master of Port UK title.

WSTA calls for government to stop ‘tax raids’ ahead of Autumn Budget

Published: 26 October, 2026

Trade body the WSTA (Wine & Spirit Trade Association) has called on the government to quash anticipated plans to raise alcohol tax in the Autumn Budget. Duty on alcohol is expected to increase in line with a RPI inflation figure of 2.9%.

Roussillon describes ‘renewed hope’ after 2026 harvest sees increased yields

Published: 26 October, 2026

Wines of Roussillon has described the 2026 growing season as bringing “renewed hope” to the region’s winemakers, after several vintages affected by severe drought.

New generation of leadership at Cité du Vin as Philippe Massol steps down

Published: 23 October, 2026

The Foundation for Wine Culture and Civilisations has announced that Philippe Massol (pictured, right) – who has been driving the Cité du Vin project since its inception in 2009 – will be stepping down as MD at the end of this year.

Quintessential Brands UK appointed exclusive distributor for Anora Group

Published: 23 October, 2026

Independent distributor (and international spirits firm) Quintessential Brands has been appointed the exclusive UK agent for leading Nordic drinks company Anora Group’s spirits portfolio.

Hospitality businesses struggle to profit as 80% say investment stifled by cost rises

Published: 23 October, 2026

Rising food, drink and energy costs are eroding margins for the hospitality sector, despite a summer trading boost due to weather and sporting events, according to a new survey.

Torres celebrates 50 years of Mas La Plana

Published: 22 October, 2026

Familia Torres has announced the release of Mas La Plana’s 2020 vintage, which celebrates 50 years of winemaking history – spanning the leadership of both the fourth and fifth generations of the Torres family.

González Byass appoints new MD as Melissa Draycott steps down

Published: 21 October, 2026

González Byass UK has announced the appointment of Suzie Parr (pictured) as its new MD, as Melissa Draycott steps down from the role after 17 years at the company.

Hospitality’s rising stars urge government to protect youth jobs amid Neets crisis

Published: 21 October, 2026

Hospitality leaders under 30 have issued a joint statement to the UK government, coordinated by UK Hospitality, urging it to reduce employment costs and protect entry-level jobs amid the Neets crisis, which shows no sign of abating.

Fine and rare tasting to headline 2027 MW symposium in Adelaide

Published: 21 October, 2026

A landmark tasting of some of the world’s most sought-after wines will take centre stage at next year’s Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) International Symposium in Adelaide.

Virgin Wines returns to growth despite challenging marketplace

Published: 21 October, 2026

Bucking the industry trend amid persistent macroeconomic headwinds, Virgin Wines has returned to sales growth, with revenue rising 3.4% to £61m in the year to 3 July 2026.

Wine buyers join forces to push for regenerative viticulture

Published: 21 October, 2026

A group of leading wine buyers from the UK, EU and US have announced at this year’s Sustainability in Drinks (SID) conference that they are joining forces to help more growers move towards regenerative farming.

Canned Wine Group: Acquisition boosts draught wine offer

Published: 20 October, 2026

Alternative packaging business the Canned Wine Group has announced its acquisition of New Theory – a South African low-intervention wine brand.

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.