UK and EU step up preparations for a "no deal" Brexit

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has voiced frustration over the plodding pace of Brexit negotiations as the EU published a paper on what businesses should do to prepare for a "no deal" or “hard Brexit” outcome.

The week that was

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, here’s a review of the top online news, analysis, opinions and features.

Gaucho sacrifices “struggling” sister chain in final bid to find a buyer

Gaucho has announced it is closing all of its Cau sites in order to focus on stabilising the Argentinian wine and steak restaurant.

Looking ahead: Ryan 'Mr Lyan' Chetiyawardana, Dandelyan

As the first half of 2018 draws to a close, Harpers asked key trade figures to highlight the current challenges, ongoing trends and opportunities  

ABS grows Burgundy portfolio with Domaine Bertagna partnership

Classic Burgundian estate Domaine Bertagna has teamed up with Awin Barratt Siegel Wine Agencies (ABS) to distribute their on-allocation wines.

Malbec pioneer Hervé J. Fabre brings varietal focus to the UK via Cahors

Hervé and Diane Joyaux Fabre, the driving force behind leading Argentinian bodega Viñalba, have secured their first UK listing since moving home to France last year.

Looking ahead: David Gleave MW, managing director, Liberty Wines

Gaucho on brink of collapse

Fine wine and steak restaurant Gaucho has become the latest casualty of the high street after administrators were appointed to deal with the ailing business.

Roberson Wine appoints head of trade

Roberson Wine has appointed Françoise Mathis to the position of head of trade – a newly created role.

Badet Clément posts double-digit global growth driven by the UK

Badet Clément has posted double-digit global growth driven by a particular impressive UK performance.

Organic Winegrowers NZ introduces annual wine week

Organic Winegrowers New Zealand (OWNZ) has announced it is introducing an annual Organic Wine Week.

Morgenrot bolsters Spanish spirits range as gin continues to soar

Morgenrot is the latest company to expand its gin selection – this time with five new premium gins from juniper-loving nation, Spain.

Olivier Dauga encourages French producers to adopt sustainable and organic practices

French wine consultant Olivier Dauga was in town last night to present a number of new conversion projects with wine producers in Bordeaux, South and South West France, which focus on organic conversion and sustainability.

Northern talent dominates Champagne Taittinger UK Sommelier of the Year

Alex Freguin, head sommelier at Moor Hall in Ormskirk, West Lancashire has been crowned the Champagne Taittinger UK Sommelier of the Year 2018.

“Frictionless trade”: What the white paper tells us

The government’s new white paper on economic arrangements post-Brexit is the roadmap that many have been waiting for, outlining how the EU’s future relationship with the UK could work after March 19.

Restaurants burned by the heatwave and World Cup

Restaurant groups suffered a drop in trade in June with pubs on the other hand basking in the sunshine as like-for-like sales rose.

Vidal relocates to state-of-the-art winery to cement fine wine position

Vidal, one of New Zealand’s oldest wineries, has relocated from Hastings to a new state-of-the-art winery in the Gimbletts Gravels, Hawkes Bay.

TWE gives Lindeman’s Bin ‘positivity’ makeover

Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has given its Lindeman’s Bins portfolio a makeover as part of a global re-design.

The week that was

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, here’s a review of the top online news, analysis, opinions and features.

William Grant & Sons report highlights impact of social influencers as spirits value growth overtakes wine and beer

A new “Active-ist” consumer mindset is on the rise, one which is more aware of its collective power to demand personalised experiences, shape brands and hold them to account.