Independents - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Off-licences added to ‘essential’ retail list

Published: 25 March, 2020

The government has added off-licences and licenced shops selling alcohol, including those within breweries, to its list of ‘essential businesses’.

Jancis Robinson publishes major list of indie wine retailers delivering to self-isolators

Published: 19 March, 2020

Jancis Robinson MW has published a major list of independent wine retailers that are keeping lines of sales and delivery open amid the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.

Hedonism launches ‘wine school’

Published: 09 March, 2020

Hedonism has added another string to its bow with the launch of the Hedonist Wine School - a series of ticketed wine tastings in an informal setting.

Indies: Food for thought

Published: 04 March, 2020

Thinking of offering a hybrid experience? Andrew Catchpole asks two quite different operators how they balance being both a wine merchant and a bar

NZ targets indie retailers with Pinot promotion

Published: 02 March, 2020

New Zealand Winegrowers is to run a promotion for the UK and Ireland’s independent retailers offering three winners the chance to win a trip to Pinot Noir 2021.

My Perfect Customer: Rupert Pritchett, Taurus Wines

Published: 23 January, 2020

Based in a recently-renovated 400-year-old barn in the Surrey Hills, Taurus Wines is a family-run independent merchant. MD Rupert Pritchett, who has winemaking experience in Gigondas and Margaret River, says his secret to success is simple; don’t rip people off. Fair enough.

Spotlight on 2020: Hugh Sturges, Jeroboams

Published: 19 December, 2019

As we prepare for the new decade, Harpers will be taking the month of December to look back over 2019 and ahead to what the coming year will bring – hopefully full of revived optimism for both politics and the trade.

Spotlight on 2020: John Chapman, The Oxford Wine Company

Published: 17 December, 2019

Indies’ focus on esoteric Italy leaves supermarkets in the shade

Published: 12 December, 2019

Italy in the off-trade seems to be a game of two halves at the moment with supermarkets sticking to classics and bankers while independent merchants push the envelope with more esoteric wines and attempt to shape consumer habits.

My Favourite Customer: Matt Thomas, Vinoramica

Published: 12 December, 2019

East London-based independent merchant Vinoramica has been trading since 2017. Harpers caught up with Matt Thomas from the family-run business to discover what makes his customers tick and how free themed tasting evenings have put this indie start-up on the map.

German wine sales soar at royal wine supplier

Published: 09 December, 2019

Sales of German wines at fine wine merchant Justerini & Brooks have rocketed this year.

Independents: Collaborate to innovate

Published: 05 December, 2019

Teaming up to bring in ad hoc shipments is ushering in a new wave of collaboration between like-minded independents. Chris Wilson weighs the practicalities and benefits

Specialist Indies talk shop and more...

Published: 13 November, 2019

Independent wine merchants are specialist retailers in their own right offering a service, range and expertise that more general retailers, such as grocers, will always struggle to match.

Indie merchants share favourite Xmas wines and look ahead to 2020

Published: 13 November, 2019

Merchants across the country will be pushing bubbly, Port, Rioja and other Christmas classics this festive season, but before they lock up on Christmas eve what will they be grabbing for their own celebrations?

Wines and spirits instrumental in creating the future’s “creative community hubs”

Published: 07 November, 2019

Wine and spirits stores will be at the forefront of community bonding over the next decade, as retail finds new and inventive ways of keeping customers coming back for more.

Top Selection adds Danish cherry wine estate

Published: 22 October, 2019

Fine wine merchant Top Selection has signed a deal as the exclusive UK distributor for Danish cherry wine estate Frederiksdal.

Wholesale: the last piece of the indie jigsaw

Published: 21 October, 2019

Indie wholesale is on the rise, tapping into a retail ethos of knowledge, service and quality product, writes Andrew Catchpole

My perfect customer: Chris Laidler, Covino

Published: 16 October, 2019

Chester's Covino is a stylish independent wine shop, wine bar and small-plate restaurant boasting over 100 artisan wines. Owner and manager Chris Laidler shares his secrets to attracting new customers and keeping his existing crowd happy.

Q&A: Harpers 50 Best Indies Winner BinTwo

Published: 16 October, 2019

Fresh from topping the table at the annual Harpers 50 Best Indies awards we catch up with Mike Boyne from Padstow’s BinTwo to discover the secrets to his success, how he and the team celebrated and what he has up his sleeve next (spoiler alert: plenty).

Bellavita London unveils expanded events roster

Published: 14 October, 2019

The annual Bellavita Expo London is set to return to Islington’s Business Design Centre next month with a wide range of masterclasses, tastings and discussion panels hosted by Bellavita’s wine academy, BeWine.