News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Washington State's Charles Smith winery launches Italian range

Published: 10 February, 2016

Washington State's Charles Smith Wines is marking its tenth anniversary with the launch of a new range of Italian-varietal wines.

Former Scottish secretary joins calls for 2% duty cut on whisky

Published: 10 February, 2016

Alistair Carmichael, secretary of state for Scotland in the 2010-15 coalition government, has written to the chancellor George Osborne calling for a further 2% cut in the duty on whisky and other spirits.

Wine world prepares for Vinisud 2016

Published: 10 February, 2016

Over 1,700 exhibitors will converge on Montpellier next week for Vinisud, the biennial International Mediterranean Wines and Spirits Exhibition.

Chile's Viña Ventisquero in on-trade push with brand ambassador hire

Published: 10 February, 2016

Leading Chilean winery Viña Ventisquero has appointed sommelier Janina Doyle as its UK brand ambassador.

Daffy's gin secures major national listing with Waitrose

Published: 10 February, 2016

Award-winning Scottish small-batch gin, Daffy's has won a national listing in Waitrose.

Jancis Robinson launches online wine course with half-price offer

Published: 09 February, 2016

Jancis Robinson has partnered with online learning agency Electric Academy to develop a wine course which promises to give even beginners an understanding of wine in a single evening.

Instil adds five craft gins as it readies for March relaunch

Published: 09 February, 2016

Instil Drinks Company, the beer and niche spirits trading arm of Bibendum PLB, has added five new artisan gin distilleries to its portfolio ahead of its relaunch in London on March 1.

Rioja strategy bears fruit as domestic sales strengthen

Published: 09 February, 2016

Sales of Rioja hit a record 388 million bottles in 2015, with domestic growth for the iconic Spanish wine region matching export growth for the first time since the recession.

Lanson tops UK Rosé Champagne sales

Published: 09 February, 2016

Lanson's Rosé Champagne was the number one best-selling wine in its category in 2015, according to the latest figures from data analysts Nielsen.

Government picks Ridgeview for GREAT Britain reception

Published: 09 February, 2016

Wines from the family-owned Sussex winery Ridgeview were the featured serve at an official reception last week as part of the government's GREAT Britain campaign to celebrate what the UK has to offer the world.

Armit expands premium Italy list with Friuli partnership

Published: 08 February, 2016

Fine wine merchant Armit Wines has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Friuli winery Castello di Buttrio.

Giant of Italian wine, Giacomo Tachis, dies at 82

Published: 08 February, 2016

Italian wine legend Giacomo Tachis has died at the age of 82. He had been ill for some time.

RAW returns to London for fifth year

Published: 08 February, 2016

The RAW organic and biodynamic wine fair is set to return to London for its fifth year on May 15 and 16.

WSTA calls for 2% cut in duty as sector gives Treasury a £200 million boost

Published: 08 February, 2016

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association has met with Treasury officials as part of its campaign for a cut in duty in next month's Budget.

The Botanist attempts world record gin tasting

Published: 08 February, 2016

Manchester-based bar chain The Botanist is hoping the host the world's biggest gin tasting this Thursday.

Chilean wine styles are shifting away from oak

Published: 08 February, 2016

Chile is still relatively young to the global wine scene, but the country as a whole is in the middle of a style evolution, where winemakers are now looking to produce wines that reflect what is so unique about the country.

Counterfeit Champagne seizure a warning to industry, brand expert says

Published: 05 February, 2016

Italian police have seized some 9,000 bottles of counterfeit Moët & Chandon Champagne near Padova in northern Italy.

F&B Premium Brands launches Belgian Butcher's Gin

Published: 05 February, 2016

Premium Belgian food-and-drink importer F&B Premium Brands has launched a new gin based on the flavours of the Secreto 07 dry-aged beef created by luxury Antwerp-based butchery De Laet & Van Haver.

Hungarian wines and spirits in spotlight at Malux spring tasting

Published: 05 February, 2016

Hungarian food-and-wine wine specialist Malux will be showcasing around 80 wines and spirits from 11 small, family producers at its spring London tasting in March.