People & Opinion - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Producer Q&A: Tim Lightbourne, Invivo

Published: 03 January, 2023

As Invivo’s Graham Norton partnership delivers its 15 millionth bottle of wine, Andrew Catchpole taps into co-founder Tim Lightbourne’s MO.

Jerry Lockspeiser: Do we have the courage to change?

Published: 21 December, 2022

It’s the time of year for reflection – on what has passed and what might come. Brexit, Covid, war in Europe, and the multiple consequences of the cost-of-living crisis cast a negative shadow. We might feel paralysed, ready to draw in our horns. Yet, two famous quotes point us towards positive thinking.

Thirty years of The Oxford Wine Company

Published: 20 December, 2022

After 30 years in business, Ted Sandbach, owner and chairman of The Oxford Wine Company, says moving to – and staying in – Oxford is still the best decision he’s ever made. Jo Gilbert reports

Soapbox: The need to reuse and refill

Published: 15 December, 2022

Muriel Chatel, CEO of Sustainable Wine Solutions, is conducting a pilot with restaurants to prove that most bottles can be saved from waste and reused or upcycled. Here, she makes the case for large-scale refill and reuse

Profile: Moreno Wines

Published: 13 December, 2022

Since Boutinot picked up Moreno Wines, the latter’s agile pairing of Hamish Robertson and Nick Groszek has driven impressive growth at this reinvigorated importer. Andrew Catchpole charts the change.

Tim Atkin MW: On the trail of Peruvian wine

Published: 09 December, 2022

Where is the gastronomic capital of the world? Lyon perhaps? San Sebastián? A growing number of foodies and critics would nominate Lima right now. Restaurants like Central, Maido and Osaka have become destinations, famous for creativity and fine ingredients.

Five minutes with Richard and Bernard d’Offay, Takamaka rum

Published: 08 December, 2022

Jo Gilbert catches up with the brothers behind the first internationally exported Seychelles rum brand about launching their cane rum programme and the future of Indian Ocean rum.

Headline heroes: Cellier des Dauphins leading the charge in organic wine

Published: 06 December, 2022

At the forefront of organic viticulture in France, Côte du Rhône’s Cellier des Dauphins is inspiring others to make the transition, as James Lawrence reports

Producer Q&A: Bec Hardy, Bec Hardy Wines

Published: 01 December, 2022

Sixth-generation winemaker Bec Hardy talks to Andrew Catchpole about inheriting responsibility for Pertaringa and Tipsy Hill, her new Bec Hardy label and the demands of upkeeping a family’s winemaking dynasty.

Jerry Lockspeiser: On honesty, transparency and trust in business relationships

Published: 29 November, 2022

Here’s a quiz question for the work Christmas party: what have Amazon, the cost of bottling wine and Ofgem got in common?

Viticulture in focus: What are the major trends?

Published: 24 November, 2022

Jo Gilbert catches up with some of the UK’s top agents, distributors and producers taking the lead on sustainability issues.

Talking heads: Dynamic France

Published: 24 November, 2022

Jo Gilbert caught up with some of the UK’s leading French wine importers to ask the burning question: what is France doing well currently – and why?

Profile: The Wine Society

Published: 22 November, 2022

Having traded for almost 150 years, The Wine Society made short shrift of Covid’s trickier challenges, using them as a springboard to greater growth. Jo Gilbert reports

Soapbox: Battling the behemoths

Published: 17 November, 2022

Nick Gillett, MD of Mangrove UK, on the uphill battle smaller brands face with ever more powerful players dominating the industry.

Guy Woodward: Language matters

Published: 15 November, 2022

I was corresponding recently with the human dynamo that is Laura Catena. Turns out the Argentinian winemaker is a big fan of this column.

Five minutes with Hamilton Lowe, Carmosina Holdings & Vitoria Regia gin

Published: 08 November, 2022

Andrew Catchpole catches up with Hamilton Lowe, co-founder of Carmosina Holdings, which launched the globe’s number one cachaça, to discover more about his new Brazilian range of gins.

Q&A: Fernando Muñoz Naranjo, Wines From Spain

Published: 03 November, 2022

With Spain’s colours still flying high, Andrew Catchpole invited its UK director to outline his vision for its future

Spain embraces a modern approach

Published: 01 November, 2022

Jo Gilbert catches up with top Spanish specialists to identify the leading current and future trends.

Producer Q&A: Praisy Dlamini, Adama Wines

Published: 27 October, 2022

Following on from the Her Wine Collection range from all-female South African company Adama Wines, Praisy Dlamini, winemaker and general manager, Adama Wines, talks to Andrew Catchpole about her new Amandla brand, inspiring the next generation and the importance of mentors.