United Kingdom - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Norwich Wine Week returns for second year

Published: 05 June, 2024

Norwich Wine Week is set to return this month, offering attendees a chance to sample a diverse array of wines from vineyards across Norfolk and beyond.

Sussex wine estates launch wine trail ahead of English Wine Week

Published: 04 June, 2024

Twelve prominent wine estates in Sussex have joined forces to establish a new wine trail, set to launch ahead of English Wine Week from 15-23 June.

Hambledon secures £10m funding for growth expansion

Published: 15 May, 2024

Hampshire’s Hambledon Vineyard, a prominent producer of English sparkling wine, has secured a £10m facility from Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance (STB CF), as it enters its next growth phase.

Denbies makes history as first ‘Net Zero’ UK vineyard

Published: 19 April, 2024

Denbies Wine Estate has made headlines by becoming the first vineyard and winery in the UK to attain Net Zero status according to the UK Carbon Code of Conduct standard (UKCCC). The distinction now places Denbies among a select few wine producers worldwide to achieve Net Zero in wine production.

Government launches £1.5m Future Winemakers’ Scheme to boost UK wine industry

Published: 19 April, 2024

The British government has unveiled a new initiative, the Future Winemakers’ Scheme, aimed at bolstering training opportunities within the domestic wine industry. The scheme is designed to ensure the availability of a skilled workforce to support the burgeoning British wine sector.

Padstow Distilling joins forces with Thorman Hunt

Published: 03 April, 2024

Young Cornish distillery Padstow Distilling has appointed Thorman Hunt as its sole UK distributor, in a move which will see its range distributed nationwide.

Nyetimber to buy The Lakes Distillery in £46m deal

Published: 03 April, 2024

English sparkling wine producer Nyetimber has agreed a deal in principle to buy The Lakes Distillery in a £46.1m deal.

Simpsons’ exports on the rise

Published: 07 March, 2024

Kent-based Simpsons’ Wine Estate is flying the flag for English wine exports following news of further expansion in the Scandinavian market.

Record number of English wines at ProWein 2024

Published: 04 March, 2024

The highest-ever number of English wine producers will be exhibiting at ProWein this year, WineGB has confirmed.

Julia Trustram Eve leaves WineGB after 30 years of service

Published: 01 March, 2024

WineGB’s head of marketing, Julia Trustman Eve, is to leave her role after 30 years of service, as part of a wider reshuffle for the trade body.

English wine continues expansion with new Kent winery

Published: 26 February, 2024

Wine firm Wildshark Vineyard has submitted plans for a new winery, visitor centre and hotel in Maidstone, Kent.

Frost forecasting project receives government backing

Published: 23 February, 2024

A frost forecasting project for grape vines has secured over £300,000 in funding from Innovate UK and the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

English canned wine brand secures £1.2m investment

Published: 15 February, 2024

Canned wine producer, The Uncommon, has secured £1.2m in private backing, focusing on scaling up production of its English wine to meet growing demand in alternative formats.

Naked Wines announces new CEO

Published: 05 February, 2024

Naked Wines has named current UK boss Rodrigo Maza as its new CEO, following the abrupt departure of Nick Devlin in November.

Gusbourne reports double digit growth for 2023

Published: 31 January, 2024

Gusbourne has revealed the results of what turned out to be a major year of change and upheaval for the estate, with sales growth both in the UK and abroad in the double digits.

Gusbourne reshuffle continues with new head winemaker

Published: 29 January, 2024

Gusbourne has announced it has a new face leading its winemaking team, with Mary Bridges now officially taking on the mantle of head winemaker following the departure of CEO Charlie Holland.

MDCV appoints Henry Boyes and Ali Tweedie-Wood

Published: 29 January, 2024

Leading English wine producer, MDCV UK, has announced the appointment of two on-trade sales directors – Henry Boyes and Ali Tweedie-Wood.

Hambledon announces new MD

Published: 24 January, 2024

Hambledon Vineyard has announced it has a new MD as it prepares to embark on a future under joint Symington Family Estates and Berry Bros. & Rudd ownership.

All change for Gusbourne as it announces CEO

Published: 17 January, 2024

Leading sparkling and fine wine producer Gusbourne has today announced it has a new CEO, with former marketing director Jonathan White stepping up following a ‘rigorous internal and external search process’.

Government consumes 1,400 bottles of wines and spirits between 2020-22

Published: 12 January, 2024

The UK government wine cellar has belatedly released its bi-annual report, revealing that 1,433 bottles of wine and spirits stock were consumed between 2020-2022, when the nation was subject to on-again, off-again Covid restrictions.