Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Think Gin debate: Innovation vs Integrity

Published: 15 July, 2019

Gin is at a crossroads and needs to tread carefully to retain its authentic credentials. Andrew Catchpole listens in on the debate at Harpers Think Gin event.

The new Argentine wine map

Published: 15 July, 2019

Sommelier and wine writer Alejandro Iglesias traces the efforts of winemakers working within the country’s rigid GI system to highlight Argentina’s unique terroirs.

Opening the door to innovation

Published: 15 July, 2019

At the LWF Innovation Zone Harpers asked a diverse trade group how best to bring about positive change.

Top 50 Drinks Wholesalers

Published: 10 July, 2019

Once again Harpers brings you its annual list of the UK’s leading drinks wholesalers.

IWC Awards: champion wines and winemakers 2019

Published: 09 July, 2019

Highlights from the International Wine Challenge Awards

Austral Patagonia: the march to the world's most southerly winery

Published: 08 July, 2019

Argentina used to have the most southern vineyards in the world until Central Otago surpassed them. However today, the cultivation of vine at latitude 45 in Chubut province adds to the Argentina’s viticultural map, representing a new challenge for winemakers working in the mountainous regions and also in the Patagonian plains. Here, Alejandro Iglesias breaks down the new southernmost border of Argentine wine.

WSET: King of the spirits

Published: 05 July, 2019

Andrew Catchpole catches up with new WSET Level 3 Spirits Award creator Nick King

Draught cocktails: Tapping into a major trend

Published: 03 July, 2019

“Draught” cocktails are gaining traction as innovation in technology takes the sector to new heights, writes Lisa Riley

Brexit: Need to know

Published: 02 July, 2019

With speculation still rife as to whether the UK will walk away from the EU with or without a deal, Jo Gilbert sat down with the Wine & Spirit Trade Association’s European & international affairs director, Simon Stannard, to answer some of the pressing questions around the movement of goods.

March of the mixers

Published: 01 July, 2019

The premium mixers category is becoming a crowded market, but is there just too much going on in the way of flavour, asks Kate Hawkings.

Champagne to the fore

Published: 26 June, 2019

Champagne expert Giles Fallowfield took a team of UK buyers to Champagne to find out more about the region and hunt down some new potential suppliers

Fit for the future

Published: 26 June, 2019

Maison Martell has formed a dynamic partnership aimed at preparing its vineyards for climate breakdown, as Alison Reid, of ethical-hedonist.com, reports.

Debunking the myth

Published: 24 June, 2019

Vodka has long had an image problem, says Nate Brown, but a new exploration of its natural flavours is helping consumers better understand the spirit

Jeroboams: growing an empire

Published: 20 June, 2019

With Jeroboams’ takeover of Prohibition Wines now complete, Jo Gilbert caught up with the London merchant to find out how it continues to successfully adapt its DNA

Beyond bricks and mortar

Published: 19 June, 2019

The second of Harpers Industry Briefings at London Wine Fair brought together leading independent merchants with our editor Andrew Catchpole to discuss Blurring Boundaries – How Indie Merchants are Opting for a Multifaceted Approach

Lebanon: Return to roots

Published: 13 June, 2019

Perched on the eastern end of the Mediterranean, yet with vineyards at altitudes of 1,000m and above, Lebanon offers a promising mix of conditions for the production of great wines. Of course, the first wave of Lebanese wines to make their mark internationally were largely blends based on Bordeaux varieties, with some notable successes, gaining a niche but loyal following. However, in tune with the country’s location and viticultural history, a second wave of indigenous and Mediterranean varieties are now emerging as winemakers realise the potential for varieties that carry more of an indigenous signature.

Harpers’ Industry Briefing: Upping the stakes

Published: 13 June, 2019

At Harpers’ Industry Briefing at London Wine Fair, Andrew Catchpole invited leading trade figures to assess how best to build value and margin back into the wine category. Here are the highlights from a sometimes impassioned and insightful dicussion.

La Dolce Vita

Published: 12 June, 2019

A broadening interest in Italy means the country’s indigenous grape varieties are now packing a punch at the top, writes Jo Gilbert

Asian evolution

Published: 10 June, 2019

Andrew Catchpole reports from WBWE in Yantai on the booming bulk market and fast-evolving Chinese taste for wine

Spirited away

Published: 05 June, 2019

UK drinks have undergone a bona fide revolution in the past 10 years. It’s no coincidence that, since 2007, UK food and drink exports have increased by nearly two-thirds, with exports now worth £22.5 billion (Defra).