Spain - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Spain report: Spain’s innovators

Published: 29 September, 2026

Spanish expert Sarah Jane Evans MW presents a personal selection of just some of the many great winemakers driving the scene forward.

Spain report: Championing Spain

Published: 28 September, 2026

Speaking to specialists across the trade (including representatives from the import sector, the media, and the on- and off-trades), Harpers discovers that there’s plenty to be excited about in the Spanish wine category, with excellence across all the region’s diverse landscapes.

Spain report: Cava fights for recognition

Published: 25 September, 2026

Cava producers get fidgety if you suggest the past was less than glorious, but facts are facts: this sparkling behemoth entered the export market as a producer of cheap and cheerful fizz that undercut champagne. Meanwhile, a succession of high-profile bodegas have left the DO since 2019, citing long-running grievances over territorial identity and quality positioning. As a case study in category rehabilitation, few appellations command as much fascination today. Not least because, at first glance, the odds are not stacked in cava’s favour.

González Byass appoints new GM

Published: 23 September, 2026

González Byass has promoted international business director Enrique Murillo (pictured) to the position of general manager (GM), replacing César Sánchez Moral.

Spain report: The latest stats on Rioja DOCa

Published: 21 September, 2026

The UK remains a hugely significant export territory for Rioja, leading the world in its thirst for the wines of this DOCa. But what is being drunk is changing, with the increasing focus on terroir and the breadth of wines – beyond the more traditional styles in the old barrel-aged hierarchy – beginning to make their mark as recognition for the region’s diversity grows.

Research: Domesticated grapevines introduced to Iberia over 2,000 years ago

Published: 18 September, 2026

A recent study has found that the oldest-known cultivated grape seeds in the Iberian peninsula – found in southern Spain – date to roughly 1000 BCE, and carry the genetic signatures of Easten Mediterranean cultivars.

Vineyards championed as wildfire-prevention tool in Sierra de Gredos

Published: 02 September, 2026

Professionals from the wine and gastronomy sectors in the Sierra de Gredos have launched the Gredos Vivo Platform, which calls for viticulture to be recognised as a tool for protecting the land and preventing wildfires.

Unusual Suspects: Spain's indigenous wealth

Published: 19 August, 2026

Remember when Spain was associated with just a handful of familiar names? That feels like another era today. In 2026, an ever-broader kaleidoscope of indigenous grapes and emerging regions is appearing on restaurant wine lists and the shelves of specialist merchants, reflecting a country that has matured considerably since the 20th century. Meanwhile, consumers are embracing fresher styles, seeking wines with moderate alcohol levels – Mencía fits the bill perfectly – and a stronger sense of place. As a result, Spain’s growing diversity is no longer simply an exciting point of difference. It has become a decisive commercial advantage, as Godello, Bobal and Palomino no longer elicit bafflement from consumers.

Brindisa Tapas appoints Adrian Castro to new beverage director role

Published: 04 August, 2026

Spanish restaurant group Brindisa Tapas has announced the appointment of Adrian Castro to the newly created role of beverage director, in a move it called a “significant investment” in its drinks programme.

Registrations open for this year's Rioja Wine Month

Published: 03 August, 2026

Registration for the upcoming Rioja Wine Month 2026 is now open to businesses across the UK on- and off-trades.

Juvé & Camps begins ‘earliest ever’ harvest

Published: 27 July, 2026

Juvé & Camps has today begun its 2026 harvest at its Espiells estate – the first since it joined the Corpinnat association earlier this year.

Tim Atkin elected chair of Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino

Published: 23 July, 2026

Wine writer and Harpers columnist Tim Atkin MW has been elected new chair of Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino (GOCV).

Vintae completes acquisition of Bodegas Riojanas

Published: 22 July, 2026

Spanish wine group Vintae has announced its formal acquisition of Bodegas Riojanas, following a court-approved business restructuring plan.

Three-year campaign highlighting Iberian wines launches in the UK

Published: 09 July, 2026

Celebrate the Diversity, a new three-year campaign aimed at raising awareness for Spanish and Portuguese wines has launched across the UK market.

Familia Torres has seen 47% emissions reduction since 2008

Published: 03 July, 2026

Spanish wine giant Familia Torres has detailed that between 2008 and 2025 it reduced its CO2 emissions by 47%. This figure is measured across all scopes – from its vineyards to the end consumer.

Top Txakoli producer Astobiza joins Alliance portfolio

Published: 30 June, 2026

Importer Alliance Wine has unveiled the latest addition to its portfolio – Basque winery Astobiza. The single estate producer is known for its premium Txakoli wines.

Marta Vidal elected president of Cava DO

Published: 12 June, 2026

Marta Vidal has been elected as the new president of the Cava Designation of Origin for the next four years, the first woman to attain the position.

Spanish wine celebrates UK success as new Caballeros inducted

Published: 05 June, 2026

Three industry heavyweights have been welcomed into the Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino, recognised for their landmark contribution to Spanish wine.

Familia Torres earns B Corp certification

Published: 02 June, 2026

Familia Torres’ wineries in Spain and Chile have been awarded B Corp certification, acknowledging that the business meets the certificate’s criteria for social and environmental performance, transparency and legal accountability.

Rioja launches initiative to connect importers with unrepresented wines

Published: 20 May, 2026

In partnership with Harpers, Rioja Wine UK has launched Discover Rioja, an initiative designed to connect importers seeking new listings with high-quality wines from the region that currently lack representation in the UK.