People & Opinion - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Soapbox: Libby Brodie bursts the communication bubble

Published: 17 September, 2024

Columnist and communicator Libby Brodie of Bacchus & Brodie makes a persuasive case for embracing all platforms that promote wine’s appeal.

Guy Woodward: LVMH and the cult of personality

Published: 12 September, 2024

I copped a bit of flak recently for heading to Spain for the global launch of Dom Pérignon’s 2015 vintage, rather than attending the London bash. It’s a fair cop. Though if you felt a 48-hour London-to-Barcelona jaunt was indulgent, you should have seen the press corps from Japan, Korea and the US. I trust there was plenty of carbon-offsetting to cover those business-class flights…

Profile: A family affair at JKS

Published: 10 September, 2024

Seamus Sharkey gives Andrew Catchpole a taste of his role at the colourful restaurant group that is JKS.

Five minutes with Sandro Gini

Published: 03 September, 2024

Andrew Catchpole catches up with Sandro Gini, who, along with brother Claudio, heads up this winemaking family which traces its viticultural history back to the 16th century.

Jerry Lockspeiser: What do you do when it is all over? Lessons for business from sport

Published: 29 August, 2024

It has been a great summer for sports enthusiasts. The football Euros in Germany were followed by a captivating Olympics in Paris. Footballers and Olympians were razor focused on achieving their best and produced amazing displays. The winners went home with a medal. But what does life hold for them afterwards?

Unusual Suspects Report: A taste of Moldova in the Midlands

Published: 27 August, 2024

Cristina Paunoiu is the co-owner of Wine Chateau, a retailer and wholesaler focused on Moldovan wine in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. Jo Gilbert spoke to her about an unlikely wine venture.

Producer Q&A: Christian Seely, AXA Millésimes

Published: 19 August, 2024

Firmly orbiting in the fine wine firmament, AXA Millésimes MD Christian Seely talks to Andrew Catchpole about his early inspiration and the philosophy it subsequently shaped.

Buyer’s Spotlight: Beyond Primitivo

Published: 15 August, 2024

Jason Millar considers the future stars of Puglia on a trip to Radici del Sud.

67 Pall Mall aims for world domination

Published: 13 August, 2024

67 Pall Mall’s Grant Ashton shares his ambitious expansion plans for his swish wine clubs with Andrew Catchpole.

Tim Atkin MW: Farewell to Fiona Beckett

Published: 08 August, 2024

Writing a weekly column about wine for a national newspaper isn’t easy. I’ve been there, done that, for 21 years. Keeping each article fresh is challenging. Some journalists don’t bother, but Fiona Beckett did. That’s why I was sad to read she was retiring from The Guardian after 14 years in the post. Fiona always tried to say something new, to encourage her readers to experiment and trade up.

Soapbox: Miles Beale's hope for the future

Published: 06 August, 2024

Wine & Spirit Trade Association CEO Miles Beale shares his optimism that the new government will listen to the trade.

Five minutes with Luca Marrone

Published: 30 July, 2024

Luca Marrone, chief winemaker for Grattamacco, discusses the journey of Bolgheri Superiore from 1991 to 2021, focusing on its balance of innovation and tradition.

Producer Q&A: Peter Gago, Penfolds

Published: 23 July, 2024

With Penfolds celebrating its 180th anniversary this year, chief winemaker Peter Gago talks exclusively to Jo Gilbert about the iconic wine producer’s past, present and future.

Jerry Lockspeiser: Is a key marketing tool hiding in plain sight?

Published: 17 July, 2024

During the 1990’s my business sold millions of bottles of great value Hungarian wines to the UK’s supermarkets. The wines were made under the guidance of a young Australian winemaker whose hands on approach ensured they bristled with ripe fruit flavours. Retailing at the equivalent of £6-£8 at today’s prices they went down a storm in the high-volume part of the burgeoning wine market.

Buyer’s Spotlight: Fine rosé

Published: 16 July, 2024

Jason Millar gets serious about the upper end of a popular category.

Soapbox: Storytelling and self-sabotage in the wine industry

Published: 09 July, 2024

Ben Franks, co-founder of The Canned Wine Co on how the trade could be attracting talent and investment to give wine a much-needed boost.

Profile: H&K Wine Agencies goes for Phoenician flavour

Published: 04 July, 2024

New business H&K Wine Agencies is building a portfolio from along the ancient Phoenician trade routes. Andrew Catchpole has an exclusive chat about their plans.

Guy Woodward: English wine is facing a dilemma

Published: 02 July, 2024

Last month’s English Wine Week kicked off with two high-profile but contrasting events. First, the august members’ club 67 Pall Mall held a glitzy industry lunch for producers, trade and media. Nineteen different English wines were poured