News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Brad Horne and Dan Kirby set to launch new podcast

Published: 16 March, 2026

Wine communicator Brad Horne and experienced wine industry figure Dan Kirby are set to launch a new podcast this week, ‘Second Press’.

Sugrue South Downs dreams on

Published: 16 March, 2026

Twenty years after winemaker Dermot Sugrue planted his first Storrington Priory vines for what was to become Sugrue South Downs, this Sussex-rooted producer continues to forge ahead with much in the pipeline for 2026.

Whisky investment platform sees 30% user growth

Published: 16 March, 2026

Still In Cask – a blockchain whisky investment platform – has reported a 30% increase in users year-on-year.

Economic outlook: UK shows no growth in January as hospitality takes a hit

Published: 13 March, 2026

New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that the UK showed no GDP growth in January 2026. During the month, ‘food and beverage activities’ fell a concerning 2.7%.

Sotheby’s sees growth with strong engagement from younger generations

Published: 13 March, 2026

Auction house Sotheby’s has released its Wine & Spirits Market Report for 2025, detailing an overall growth in auction sales and a shift towards younger buyers.

Salon discussion: Sustainability and the Italian Winescape

Published: 13 March, 2026

In partnership with the Real Italian Wine & Food Experience, part of the Wines Experience (WE) global series, by United Experience

Oxford Wine Company splits operations

Published: 12 March, 2026

Independent merchant The Oxford Wine Company has announced that it is splitting the retail and wholesale sides of its business into separate companies.

Four fairs combine for inaugural WineMainz event

Published: 12 March, 2026

Germany is set to gain a fresh event for its domestic wine industry, with four existing wine fairs coinciding for the first ever WineMainz event this April.

Flint Wines announces partnership with Kistler Vineyards

Published: 12 March, 2026

Independent London merchant Flint Wines has been named as the exclusive UK agent for Kistler Vineyards – a well-regarded Sonoma estate.

Exhibitor numbers hint at strong regional tilt for ProWein

Published: 11 March, 2026

A comparative analysis of Wine Paris and ProWein's exhibitor data suggests the former is tightening its grip on the global trade show calendar, while a diminished ProWein leads on regional attendance from Germany, Austria, and Central Europe.

Remembering Alan Mayne, 1939–2025: Pillar of the UK wine trade across six decades

Published: 11 March, 2026

Early in 2025, on 23rd January, the UK wine trade lost one of its most respected and influential figures: Alan Mayne, a mentor, raconteur, and consummate professional whose career shaped high-end wine in Britain.

Scottish tourism industry warns of dire situation ahead of Holyrood elections

Published: 11 March, 2026

A new survey from the Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) has revealed that over 50% of Scotland's hospitality businesses have little or no financial reserves, as rising costs and falling visitor spend continue to hammer operators.

Gérard Basset Foundation opens applications for 2026 Victims of Conflict Scholarships

Published: 10 March, 2026

The Gérard Basset Foundation has announced that it has now welcoming applications for the 2026 edition of its fourth edition of its Artémis Domaines Golden Vines Victims of Conflict Scholarships.

65th Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges wine auction raises €1.5m

Published: 10 March, 2026

The 65th Annual Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges wine auction has raised over €1.5m – an increase of 91.7% when compared to last year.

Original Sustainability Charter Champion reconfirms commitment

Published: 09 March, 2026

Founding Champion of Harpers Sustainability Charter, North South Wines, has reconfirmed its commitment to the platform, signing on for another year.

Celebrating International Women’s Day across the trade

Published: 09 March, 2026

With much going on, Harpers rounds up just a small selection of the wide range of events, activities and releases from the drinks trade marking and celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) this year (Sunday 8 March).

C&C Group buys Innis & Gunn brand out of administration in £4.5m deal

Published: 09 March, 2026

Drinks giant C&C Group – owner of Matthew Clark and Bibendum – has bought Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn's brand in a pre-pack administration for £4.5m.

Popular Welsh indie Cheers set to close Mumbles shop

Published: 09 March, 2026

Welsh indie stalwart Cheers Wine Merchants has announced it is closing its Mumbles shop the week beginning 16 March.

First ever Old Vine Photography Competition launches

Published: 06 March, 2026

The Old Vine Conference has announced the launch of the first ever Old Vine Photography Competition.

The coming taste of Pompeii

Published: 06 March, 2026

One of the more fascinating presentations on wine took place in late February in London, when the partners in an inventive Italian wine project began their international promotion of what was billed as ‘Cultivating History’. The setting was the Italian Cultural Institute (ICI) in Belgrave Square, and the cultivation in question was the planting of vines within the boundaries of the Pompeii Archaeological Park for The Pompeii Wine Project. And the aim of this ambitious initiative is – in the words of the Project organisers – ‘to revive the historical role of wine as an ambassador of civilization’.