News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Caroline Fiot appointed cellar master at Maison Ruinart

Published: 02 October, 2025

Caroline Fiot has been announced as the new cellar master of Maison Ruinart.

Enotria named importer for Mendoza’s Catena Zapata

Published: 02 October, 2025

Wine and spirits distributor Enotria has announced the onboarding of Mendoza’s Catena and Catena Zapata to its portfolio from 1 January 2026 onwards.

Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino announces mentorship winners

Published: 02 October, 2025

To mark its 40th anniversary, the Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino (GOVC) has announced the six inaugural recipients of its new mentorship programme.

Gosset Matchmakers winners announced

Published: 01 October, 2025

Chef Darryl Shotlander and sommelier Ché Dyson-Holland have been announced the winners of the 10th annual Gosset Matchmakers.

EPR: Levy comes into effect as reporting deadline hits

Published: 01 October, 2025

Today (1 October) marks the commencement of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) levy. It also marks the deadline for which ‘large producers’ under the scheme must report their packaging data for the first half of 2025.

SID changes venue due to flood

Published: 01 October, 2025

The second edition of Sustainability in Drinks (SID) has been forced to change its venue, due to a burst water main in central Marylebone last week that flooded its proposed St Mary’s site.

Hallgarten appoints Julien Lever to new head of operations role

Published: 30 September, 2025

Wine importer Hallgarten & Novum Wines has announced the hiring of Julien Lever to the newly created role of head of operations.

Bonhams to hold auction of Locanda Locatelli cellar

Published: 30 September, 2025

Bonhams, the global network of auction houses, will be holding a London auction of wine from iconic Italian restaurant Locanda Locatelli.

New Zealand Winegrowers releases 2025 report

Published: 29 September, 2025

New Zealand Winegrowers, the national organisation for the country’s wine industry, has released its Annual Report 2025.

The Wine Society: Alex Turnbull appointed head of fine wine

Published: 29 September, 2025

The Wine Society has announced the appointment of Alex Turnbull to the newly created role of head of fine wine. He joins the merchant in January 2026.

Fells onboards Bodega Lagarde in Argentine expansion

Published: 29 September, 2025

Premium wine distributor Fells has announced the addition of Mendoza’s Bodega Lagarde to its portfolio.

Circular Bottle launched by Familia Torres and Walraven Sax

Published: 29 September, 2025

Leading Spanish wine producer Familia Torres has introduced the first reusable wine bottle to the Dutch market, in partnership with its Dutch importer Walraven Sax.

Nick Gillett: Sticks, carrots and sustainability in the spirits sector

Published: 29 September, 2025

There was a time where every other headline in spirits industry publications read ‘sustainability’, but it’s not been that way for quite some time. Thanks to the economic headwind we’re all facing (businesses and consumers alike) sustainability has very much slipped down the agenda. Because how can you prioritise the environment in your business, if said business doesn’t survive?

Aussie sparkling House of Arras set for La Place debut

Published: 26 September, 2025

Australia’s most well-known sparkling wine, House of Arras, is set to debut on La Place de Bordeaux. Both the Tasmanian producer’s 2008 Arras E.J. Carr Late Disgorged and 2015 Arras Grand Vintage are due to join the historic institution.

M&S tasting: Fresh additions show retailer keeping modern edge

Published: 26 September, 2025

At the imposing M&S HQ in Paddington a more relaxed affair was waiting inside where the M&S Autumn tasting showcased 23 new wines, with the retailer seeking to keep its offer fresh.

Friday read: Champagne’s slow but steady march to organic

Published: 26 September, 2025

As Champagne celebrates an exceptional vintage, recent news has been less positive for the region’s organic producers: the rate of conversions has been fairly static over the past two years. But Ludovic du Plessis, CEO of organic producer Champagne Telmont, remains optimistic about organics’ future in the region.

Rare whisky tasting auction supports Pacific-rowers Maclean Brothers’ charity

Published: 26 September, 2025

An online charity auction to attend a tasting of the rare Port Ellen First Release (2001) – 1979, 22 Years Old is taking place to raise money for the Maclean Foundation.

Promising California harvest in full swing following mild summer

Published: 25 September, 2025

Winemakers in California have begun their harvest following a long, consistent growing season. Grapes were able to mature gradually in 2025 following a mild summer which was preceded by a cool spring.

Charles Taverner to head up Champagnes & Châteaux UK

Published: 24 September, 2025

Premium wine distributor Champagnes & Châteaux UK has announced that Charles Taverner is to take up the reins as MD from 1 October.

WSTA: Alcohol duty revenue in decline despite February tax increase

Published: 24 September, 2025

Fresh figures from HMRC’s latest alcohol duty receipts (published 19 September) show that revenue is down -4.3%. This will frustrate many in the drinks industry who faced a February hike of wine and spirits duty.