News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Hallgarten strengthens Chilean portfolio with Garage Wine Co

Published: 15 January, 2026

Wine importer Hallgarten & Novum Wines has reinforced its Chilean portfolio with the addition of old-vine specialist Garage Wine Co.

Raimat launches largest natural European gravity-based water treatment plant

Published: 14 January, 2026

Lleida-based winery Raimat has constructed the largest natural gravity-based water treatment plant in Europe, creating 40,000m2 of wetlands in the middle of its vineyards that can purify 80,000 litres of water per day.

Old Vine Registry vineyard registrations double in year to 9,400

Published: 14 January, 2026

The Old Vine Registry, the world’s largest database of historic vine plantings, has announced that it has reached 9,393 registered vineyards across 42 countries to date. The figure represents an impressive surge in registrations, with 4,000 total entries this time last year by comparison.

Champagnes & Chateaux tap Richard Nunn for new role

Published: 14 January, 2026

Premium wine distributor Champagnes & Chateaux has announced that Richard Nunn will be appointed to the new role of off-trade key account manager. The well-known industry figure joins the company following 35 years with Louis Latour.

Thorman Hunt announces partnership with Jules Taylor Wines

Published: 14 January, 2026

Family-run wine importer Thorman Hunt Wine Shippers has announced a new partnership with Marlborough producer Jules Taylor Wines.

Leonardslee Family partners with Schenk Family UK

Published: 13 January, 2026

West Sussex wine producer Leonardslee Family Vineyards has announced a new distribution partnership with distributor Schenk Family UK.

Rita Greenwood set to become chair of Scotch Whisky Association council

Published: 13 January, 2026

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has announced Rita Greenwood as the new chair of the SWA council. The appointee, who will be in the role for two years, is the first female chair in the SWA’s 114-year history.

Calls for business rates pub relief to extend to all hospitality

Published: 12 January, 2026

Last week’s reports that pubs will see great business rates support has been followed by a chorus of industry figures urging the government to extend the relief to all of hospitality.

Maltby & Greek launches Three Bowls wine range

Published: 12 January, 2026

Leading UK importer of Greek and Cypriot wines, Maltby & Greek, have introduced Three Bowls, a new wine range developed in-house through a collaboration with a group of Greek winemakers.

Enotria unveils Phillip White as new CEO

Published: 12 January, 2026

Premium on-trade distributor Enotria has announced the appointment of a new CEO, with Phillip White taking the helm.

Hispamerchants to take on Zolo Zero

Published: 09 January, 2026

Hispamerchants is to launch the alcohol free Zolo Zero range into the UK in March, tapping into the growing trend for low & no wine alternatives.

Majestic sees profits slide amid challenging policy landscape

Published: 09 January, 2026

Wine retail giant Majestic has seen its profits before tax almost cut in half year on year – falling from £14.3m for FY24 to £7.7m for FY25 as detailed in its Companies House filing for the 2025 financial year (ending 31 March 2025).

50 Best Indies 2026: The full list

Published: 09 January, 2026

Harpers once again presents our 50 Best Indies list, highlighting excellence in merchants across the UK drinks trade.

50 Best Indies 2026: Watch the Top 10 reveal

Published: 09 January, 2026

Last week (5-9 January) we released our 50 Best Indies 2026 results day by day, celebrating the leading UK wine and spirits merchants as we revealed those placed from 50-11.

Drinkaware welcomes proposals for stricter drink driving legislation

Published: 08 January, 2026

Leading charity Drinkaware has welcomed a consultation from the Department for Transport (DfT) which proposes reducing the safe alcohol limit at which driving becomes an offence in England and Wales, as part of a broader strategy to improve road safety in the UK.

Fine wine: Château Rayas flies up Liv-ex Power 100 ranking

Published: 08 January, 2026

Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s Château Rayas rose 49 places to fifth place in Liv-ex’s annual Power 100 ranking. The 2025 list ranks the most “influential fine wine brands in the secondary market”, according to the trading platform.

Franck Noguiez joins Grupo Avinea as technical director

Published: 08 January, 2026

Leading Argentinian producer of organic wines Grupo Avinea has taken on Franck Noguiez (pictured) as its new technical director, a role in which he will guide wine production and sustainable development for the group.

50 Best Indies 2026 ranking: 20-11 revealed

Published: 08 January, 2026

This week marks the release of our 50 Best Indies 2026 results, celebrating the leading wine and spirits merchants from across the UK.

Wines Unearthed rebrands as Unsigned. ahead of Wine Paris

Published: 08 January, 2026

Wines Unearthed, the platform that connects emerging wine and spirits producers to buyers and distributors, has announced a rebrand to ‘UNSIGNED.’ ahead of its attendance at February’s Wine Paris.