News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Henners unveils new look ahead of plans to double capacity

Published: 30 October, 2020

Henners Vineyard, the English wine estate in East Sussex owned by Boutinot, has unveiled a new look ahead of plans to double capacity.

Hospitality sales drop 48%

Published: 30 October, 2020

Sales in hospitality dropped by 48% in the third quarter of 2020, according to the latest Quarterly Tracker from UK Hospitality (UKH) and CGA.

Caribbean Export looks to unlock UK opportunity

Published: 30 October, 2020

The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) is gearing up to launch its first virtual event to tap increasing thirst for the spirit across Europe, including the UK, as highlighted in a new report release by the body today.

Friday Read: Monoculture wars – the vineyards killing ecosystems

Published: 30 October, 2020

In Napa, John Williams, winemaker and the owner of Frogs Leap, is a winemaker in the minority. Around 6-7% of his land is devoted to crops other than vines. It’s a move that makes him stick out like a sore thumb surrounded by Rutherford’s rolling valleys where there’s barely a fruit tree in sight. In a region where a single hectare costs on average $1m, why devote a single plot to anything else?

Aldi claims supermarket first with Prosecco rosé launch

Published: 29 October, 2020

Aldi is gearing up to launch a Prosecco rosé, a move the retailer claims will make it the first supermarket to sell the pink bubbles.

US election could shape demand for Bordeaux and Burgundy

Published: 29 October, 2020

UK fine wine and spirits merchant BI Wine & Spirits has highlighted how the result of the US election may shape demand for Bordeaux and Burgundy, currently impacted by the tariffs imposed by Trump.

Roberson adds Cali wines to London Cru

Published: 29 October, 2020

Roberson Wine has expanded its own London Cru brand with two Californian producers, marking the first wines from the wine country to join the portfolio.

UKH Cymru: ‘Restrictions having a hugely debilitating effect'

Published: 29 October, 2020

UK Hospitality (UKH) Cymru has warned that further support is needed if the industry to survive the winter.

Beale: 'The threat of VI-1 forms is still very real’

Published: 28 October, 2020

The WSTA has warned that the threat of VI-1 forms is still "very real", saying that the policy, not just the timing, still needs to change.

Indigo founder Ben Henshaw unveils new delivery platform

Published: 28 October, 2020

Indigo Wines director Ben Henshaw has unveiled a new wine delivery platform promising to bring accessible modern fine wines to UK households.

UK helps Australian wine exports hit highest level since 2007

Published: 28 October, 2020

Global Australian wine exports were up 4% to $2.998bn in the 12 months to September 2020, with all of its top-five export markets showing growth including the UK, according to Wine Australia’s latest export report.

The Drinks Trust aims to 'evolve services' with new survey

Published: 28 October, 2020

The Drinks Trust has launched a survey aimed at helping to evolve the services and support supplied by the charity as well as businesses in the drinks and hospitality sectors.

VI-1 import certification postponed for six months

Published: 28 October, 2020

The government has announced a temporary suspension of wine import certification.

Ste Michelle CEO Jim Mortensen retires

Published: 28 October, 2020

Washington State winery Ste Michelle Wine Estates has announced that its president and CEO Jim Mortensen will retire 1 November, 2020.

Global wine production remains below five-year average

Published: 27 October, 2020

Estimated global wine production for 2020 is expected to remain below the five-year average and in line with 2019, according to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV).

Cava DO to boost image with new website

Published: 27 October, 2020

The Cava DO has unveiled a new website aimed at boosting the image of the sparkling wine as a “quality product”.

Wine Australia’s Tasting Blind Club moves online

Published: 27 October, 2020

Wine Australia has converted its Tasting Blind Club into an online Tasting Blind Club Quiz hosted by Emma Symington MW.

Zachys gears up for first European multi-vendor sale

Published: 27 October, 2020

Zachys has announced its first European multi-vendor sale will take place in London and will include what it claims to be the world’s first barrel of Burgundy to be sold at auction.

Jascots adds Barolo producer Rocche Costamagna

Published: 27 October, 2020

Jascots Wine Merchants has added Barolo producer Rocche Costamagna to its portfolio, marking the latest in a host of new producers to join the business in recent months.

Trade bodies propose 'workable framework' ahead of Scottish hospitality debate

Published: 27 October, 2020

Trade bodies representing Scotland’s hospitality sector have proposed a workable ‘strategic framework’ for the industry ahead of today’s scheduled debate that will map out the next six months for the sector.