News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Majestic announces new rosé listing

Published: 19 April, 2023

The UK’s number one wine retailer, Majestic, has won the race to supply Roseblood rosé by Chateau d’Estoublon to the British off-trade.

Rathfinny joins select B Corp winemaking club

Published: 19 April, 2023

Rathfinny Wine Estate has achieved B Corp status, being only the third UK producer to gain the ethical and sustainable benchmark ranking.

Scottish drink trade welcomes DRS delay announcement

Published: 18 April, 2023

Following months of petitioning from the drinks trade, new Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf announced that the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) will be delayed until March 2024.

Rioja’s Ramón Bilbao launches ‘Spanish Wine Master’ competition

Published: 18 April, 2023

In a bid to promote Spanish wine in this country, Rioja’s Ramón Bilbao has launched a competition, aimed at WSET Level 3 (and above), to find the UK’s ‘Spanish Wine Master’.

Sogevinus launches 2021 Kopke and Burmester ports of ‘great elegance’

Published: 18 April, 2023

The Sogevinus Group has announced the launch of two Single Quinta Vintages – Kopke Quinta de São Luiz 2021 and Burmester Quinta do Arnozelo 2021.

Emma Rice to work as consultant for burgeoning English wine industry

Published: 17 April, 2023

One of the UK’s most reputable winemakers, Emma Rice has set up her own winemaking consultancy company to help further advance the burgeoning UK wine industry. Rice will provide expertise in winery design, equipment sourcing, sensory evaluation and wine style strategy as part of her consultancy offering.

Vinpro launches visitor tracking technology with Cape wineries

Published: 17 April, 2023

Vinpro, together with the Cape Winelands District Municipality, is funding a new wine tourism research programme, “to help wineries stay connected to wine tourists between visits”.

Tim Atkin MW releases his 2023 Chile Report

Published: 17 April, 2023

Tim Atkin MW, Harper's columnist and leading UK wine writer, has launched his 2023 Chile report.

Napa Valley Vintners raise $2.1 million for wildfire resiliency

Published: 17 April, 2023

Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) has announced its investment of $2.1 million in support of wildfire resiliency in Napa County. The funds will go towards fire breaks, restoration of forest lands and education on forest health and wildfires.

Taste Off: Trade should push diverse rosé offering to maximise sales

Published: 17 April, 2023

Given that rosé has proved buoyant against a backdrop of otherwise largely flat wine sales, it seems short-sighted that many merchants and restaurants continue to undervalue the potential of building upon this popular category.

Fine wine remains relatively stable amidst economic uncertainty

Published: 14 April, 2023

In times of market turmoil, such as the 2008 financial crash, the coronavirus pandemic or the war in Ukraine, fine wine has proved itself to be an asset largely insensitive to macroeconomic uncertainty.

Pressure on energy and foodservice providers to tackle ‘greedflation’

Published: 14 April, 2023

Industry leaders are calling on Ofgem to force energy suppliers to renegotiate contracts signed with hospitality businesses at the height of the supply crisis, as price inflation continues to rise – and attract criticism – at the biggest FMCG firms, including Tesco.

Sustainability clinic to offer free advice for drink-focused SMEs

Published: 14 April, 2023

Harpers has teamed up with sustainability consultant Jeremy Rockett of Rockett Science to run a free online SME Sustainability Clinic on Tuesday 18 April, to offer practical advice and workable tips on this pressing topic.

The Wine Society pledges to hold majority of its wine prices

Published: 13 April, 2023

In what has been described as, “an industry first”, online wine retailer The Wine Society has announced it will work with its members to prevent price increases.

Consumer confidence in finances is improving finds IWSR

Published: 13 April, 2023

The latest findings from IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, the global beverage alcohol data and insights specialist, show that although stated alcohol spend is falling in many markets, consumer confidence about finances and the future is trending more positively than in 2022. This is especially true of the UK, where consumers show signs of improved sentiment following lows in late 2022.

Bordeaux closing the gap according to Wine Lister

Published: 12 April, 2023

Momentum continues to grow for Bordeaux as the price appreciation gap narrows in comparison with other fine wine regions.

Wine tastes better when dining out according to Berkmann research

Published: 12 April, 2023

Berkmann Wine Cellars has partnered with psychologist professor Charles Spence to better understand the impact your surroundings have on the taste of wine.

Bibendum expands Greek portfolio with two new producers

Published: 11 April, 2023

Bibendum, the premium wine specialist, has added two new Greek producers, Santo Wines (Santorini) and Rouvalis (Peloponnese), to its portfolio. Santo and Rouvalis will be distributed to the on-trade via Bibendum and to the off-trade through Walker & Wodehouse.