News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Distell to launch fine wine division

Published: 14 November, 2018

African wine, spirits and cider giant Distell is set to launch a new premium wine division with Nederburg as its flagship, Harpers can reveal.

NZ Sommelier Scholarship participants announced

Published: 14 November, 2018

New Zealand Winegrowers has confirmed 18 recipients of its 2019 International Sommelier Scholarship, designed to encourage on-trade ambassadors for the country’s wines.

Polish polish

Published: 13 November, 2018

Poland is setting its sights to become an internationally recognised producer of quality wine, with the number of vineyards doubling over the past four years.

Global wine markets: China shines as Brexit Britain picks up wooden spoon

Published: 13 November, 2018

The second annual ProWein Business Report looking at the attractiveness of international export markets for wine has placed China in pole position for the first time.

Don't miss Harpers Wine Stars Spain, Australia and South America

Published: 13 November, 2018

Harpers Wine Stars, the competition judged by buyers for buyers, is returning fresh for 2019 – and there’s only just over a week left to sign up.

WoodWinters adds old Barossa Soul to portfolio

Published: 13 November, 2018

Indie merchant WoodWinters has strengthened its growing wholesale portfolio with the addition of the UK agency for Soul Growers from Barossa.

Simpsons releases its first sparkler

Published: 13 November, 2018

Kent estate Simpsons has released its first sparkling wine, six years after its founders branched out from the Languedoc in France to launch their first UK venture.

Hedgepig fruit gin liqueurs expands range

Published: 12 November, 2018

Ginmeister, the company behind Pinkster gin, has expanded its range of Hedgepig fruit gin liqueurs with three new variants.

California wildfires ‘not particularly’ affecting wine country

Published: 12 November, 2018

The wildfires currently raging in California have ‘not particularly’ affected wine country.

Diageo sells 19 brands to Sazerac

Published: 12 November, 2018

Diageo has agreed to sell 19 brands to Sazerac, the US distiller, for $550 million.

Napa Valley reports strong vintage with ideal weather conditions

Published: 12 November, 2018

Napa Valley has announced a “Goldilocks” 2018 vintage.

The week that was

Published: 09 November, 2018

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.

Research unveils UK winemaking areas that could rival Champagne

Published: 09 November, 2018

New research has unveiled winemaking areas in the UK that could rival Champagne – and they’re not necessarily what you might expect.

Freixenet-Copestick merger to create sparkling super supplier

Published: 09 November, 2018

UK-based wine supplier and brand owner Copestick Murray and Cava giant Freixenet have revealed plans to merge as of January 1.

William Grant & Sons appoints new UK marketing director

Published: 08 November, 2018

William Grant & Sons has appointed Ifan Jenkins to the role of marketing director for UK and Ireland.

Freixenet renews Christmas at Kew sponsorship

Published: 08 November, 2018

Freixenet has signed up as sponsor of Christmas at Kew for the second year running.

Lidl sweeps the board at Wotwine supermarket awards

Published: 08 November, 2018

Lidl swept the board at the Wotwine 2019 Supermarket Wine Retailer Awards taking home three out of four gongs.

Wines of Japan: Harpers takes a closer look at what the country has to offer

Published: 08 November, 2018

Japan has had a boost in winemaking productivity over the past decade, particularly among smaller, artisanal producers who are now leading the charge for quality and innovation. We took a closer look at a country which is focusing outwards on growing its reputation and inwards on winemaking expertise.

Matthew Clark strengthens wine buying team with new trio

Published: 07 November, 2018

Matthew Clark has expanded its wine buying team with a director and two new buyers.

Majestic signs up as RFU sponsor and launches bespoke rugby range

Published: 07 November, 2018

Majestic Wine has signed a sponsorship deal with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to become the official wine merchant to England Rugby and Twickenham Stadium.