Independents - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Independent survey: What's selling

Published: 18 July, 2018

In our latest poll, Harpers gave independent merchants a chance to identify those wines that always get consumers coming back for more. We looked at how these bottles stacked up

Meet the buyers: Matthew Harris, owner/director at Planet Of The Grapes

Published: 16 July, 2018

Hybrids that mix it up with wine and food spill the beans on how to juggle retail and in-house hospitality.

The urbane spread of urban wineries

Published: 26 June, 2018

London’s growing number of urban wineries is cleverly capitalising on the hyper-local trend by bringing winemaking and wine tourism to consumers’ doorsteps.

The indies tapping into craft beer

Published: 29 May, 2018

Talk into an indie merchant in 2018 and while you may be faced with wall upon wall of wine from here, there and everywhere, you’re just as likely to encounter a kaleidoscopic display of beers and ciders in bottles, cans, growlers and kegs.

Jeroboams launches Kensington store

Published: 14 May, 2018

Jeroboams

Harrods new Fine Wines and Spirits Rooms aims to educate and ‘break down barriers’

Published: 19 April, 2018

Luxury department store Harrods has reaffirmed its place as one of London’s premiere destinations for fine wines and spirits after unveiling its multi-million pound renovation.

Lea & Sandeman talks renewed wholesaling focus

Published: 10 April, 2018

Quality London retailer and wholesaler Lea & Sandeman is putting renewed focus into re-building its on-trade wholesale arm, following the tragic death of founding member Patrick Sandeman in 2012.

The pros and cons of the indie hybrid

Published: 05 April, 2018

As independent retailers adapt to survive in a competitive market, Lisa Riley asks the businesses flying the hybrid flag about the successes and challenges they have experienced along the way

Meet the buyers: Ray O’Connor, wine director, Naked Wines

Published: 19 March, 2018

This month we caught up with the surfers riding the wave of the online wine world

Profile: Friarwood's new groove

Published: 05 March, 2018

Now in its 51st year, boutique London merchant Friarwood is being given a new lease of life under its young leadership team. Jo Gilbert reports

Wines of Germany modernises 31 Days campaign with re-brand

Published: 02 March, 2018

Wines of Germany has revealed new branding and logo for its upcoming annual 31 Days of German Riesling campaign.

Buyers hunt for mainstream alternatives at SITT

Published: 01 March, 2018

Snow may have ground most of the UK to a halt, but the even frostier conditions of the market at the moment meant that buyers braved the weather and headed to Harpers’ Spring SITT event to discover point of difference wines at competitive prices.

Keeping the list keen

Published: 23 February, 2018

We asked leading indie merchants how they approach buying and what they will be hunting out for 2018. Philip Amps, Greg Sherwood MW and Henry Butler explain the method (and occassional madness) in planning for the year ahead:

CIVB launches first Bordeaux Wine Month alongside PR shake-up

Published: 09 February, 2018

The official Bordeaux wine body has announced a number of initiatives lined up for the UK for 2018, including an official Bordeaux Wine Month to run in UK independents throughout the month of June.

Moreno Wines: celebrating half a century

Published: 24 January, 2018

As pioneer Spanish champion Moreno Wines clocks up 50 years in the business, Andrew Catchpole caught up with Abbi and Marcel Moreno at this stalwart of the trade.

Meet the Buyers: Darren Willis, owner, Grape & Grind

Published: 03 January, 2018

Like many professionals working in the trade, a career in wine was never part of the original plan – I studied mechanical engineering at university, graduating in 1997. Yet after completing a WSET course in London, I applied for a position at Harvey Nichols in 2001. I soon fell in love with both the people and subject, a passion that endures today.