Producers - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Cockburn’s revamps range with eco-friendly focus

Published: 23 September, 2024

Cockburn’s Port is ‘challenging perceptions in the category’ with a significant redesign which introduces a new lightweight bottle across the core range.

Laudun becomes new Côtes du Rhône Cru

Published: 20 September, 2024

Laudun has officially been recognised as the 18th Cru of the Côtes du Rhône, with 2024 set to mark the first vintage under this prestigious title. Formerly classified as Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun, the wine-producing area achieved communal appellation status following a decision by the National Institute for Origin and Quality (INAO) on 11 September.

North South Wines adds Agricoltori del Chianti Geografico to portfolio

Published: 17 September, 2024

North South Wines has announced the addition of Agricoltori del Chianti Geografico to its portfolio. The wines, part of the Piccini family estates, will arrive in the UK in late September and feature at the Grapest Hits tastings in London and Manchester.

Cramele Recaș announces €11m expansion to boost production

Published: 17 September, 2024

Cramele Recaș, Romania’s largest wine producer, has announced an €11m investment plan to expand its operations and increase production to 50 million bottles per year, with a target turnover of €100m within the next three to five years.

Bolle launches new alcohol-free wine brand

Published: 16 September, 2024

Bolle has announced the successful closure of a £800,000 private funding round, completed in just three weeks. The company, which operates in both the UK and California, uses secondary fermentation to make its wine, despite being a zero-alcohol wine.

Lower harvest volume forecast for Austria

Published: 10 September, 2024

Austria has declared a 'very early vintage' for 2024, with volumes expected to be considerably lower than the recent average.

Seedlip founder launches new era with lab and segue into ‘dark spirits’

Published: 09 September, 2024

Ben Branson, the man behind pioneering low & no brand Seedlip is celebrating ten years of boundary breaking with a new product launch, made at a pioneering new facility designed to take his creations to the next level.

Celeb backed brands aren’t failsafe for success

Published: 06 September, 2024

New data has revealed the precarious business of investing in celebrity backed brands; for while they tend to outperform their total category, celebrity involvement doesn’t always guarantee success.

Holyrood celebrates international success via Dutch partnership

Published: 02 September, 2024

Edinburgh-based Holyrood Distillery has reported strong export growth as mid-year sales already exceed that of 2023 by 15% thanks to an exclusive partnership with Dutch importer and distributor High Spirits.

Oxford Landing clinches official wine partnership with the British & Irish Lions

Published: 02 September, 2024

South Australian family-owned winery Oxford Landing has been announced as the Official Wine Partner for The British & Irish Lions for their upcoming Lions tour to Australia.

Pernod Ricard forecasts return to growth in 2025 following wine sale

Published: 29 August, 2024

Spirits giant Pernod Ricard has forecasted that its sales will grow again next year after suffering a post-pandemic slump.

Langham takes its low intervention revolution to Liberty

Published: 12 August, 2024

Dorset’s Langham Wine Estate and distributor Liberty Wines have joined forces in an exclusive partnership which will see the latter distribute the former’s portfolio of low intervention, pro-oxidative wines.

Winemakers react to Hungary’s hottest July

Published: 09 August, 2024

Hungary is grappling with its hottest July on record, prompting winemakers to commence grape harvesting in early August – nearly a month ahead of the usual schedule. According to the National Meteorological Service, this July was the warmest in Hungary since temperature records began in 1901.

Babich Wines to boost Sauvignon Blanc production with new Marlborough vineyard

Published: 02 August, 2024

Babich Wines, a family-owned winery in New Zealand, is expanding its Sauvignon Blanc production by partnering with Craigmore Sustainables to develop a new vineyard in Marlborough.

Adrian Bridge calls for market reforms in Port industry

Published: 29 July, 2024

Adrian Bridge (pictured), CEO of The Fladgate Partnership, has his say on a so-called “social catastrophe” for winegrowers in the Douro region.

Insurers expect major payouts after severe frosts hit German vineyards

Published: 24 July, 2024

Insurer Allianz Agrar anticipates paying German winemakers tens of millions of Euros in insurance claims this year following heavy frosts that destroyed many vineyards’ entire harvests.

AOC Alsace Grand Cru appellation now includes Grand Cru Vorbourg

Published: 24 July, 2024

The AOC Alsace Grand Cru appellation has been extended to include a third terroir.

Gusbourne explores potential sale

Published: 23 July, 2024

English winemaker Gusbourne may soon have a new owner, as Lord Ashcroft, who holds a 67% stake in the company, announced he is exploring “various strategic options” for his shareholding.

Beaulieu Vineyard announces major renovation

Published: 22 July, 2024

Treasury Wine Estates’ global wine brand Beaulieu Vineyard has announced a multimillion-dollar renovation of its Napa Valley winery, set to be completed in spring 2026.