Chapel Down wine sales soar

Chapel Down has reported a 20% increase in its wine sales alongside a 7% increase for its associated Curious Drinks beer and cider arm.

Kentish wineries partner with Visit Kent to launch wine tourism initiative

Seven Kentish wineries have partnered with Visit Kent to launch a new wine tourism initiative – The Wine Garden of England.

Members of South Africa’s Old Vine Project now able to put heritage seal on bottles

Members of South Africa’s Old Vine Project (OVP) have been given the clear to put a Certified Heritage Vineyards (CHV) seal on wine bottles made from vineyards that are 35 years old (or older).

Croft, Fonseca and Taylor’s Port declare 2016 vintage

Armit Wines appoints new ‘head of London sales’

Armit Wines has appointed a new ‘head of London sales’ as part of a strategy to grow its customer base in the capital.

The week that was

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

UK restaurants feeling the heat

Wine is struggling for attention in a UK restaurant sector experiencing a “perfect storm” of adverse trading conditions, according to a new report.

Michael Sager to launch new restaurant and bar concept

A new restaurant and bar called Fare Bar + Canteen, is set to open in London’s Clerkenwell, offering a 250-strong wine list and 30+ wines, beers and cocktail on tap.

Californian producers target London and Edinburgh

The annual Golden State Tasting is to take place in Scotland for the first time to capitalise on the popularity of Californian wines north of the border.

Pernod Ricard reports strong organic sales growth

Pernod Ricard has reported a rise in organic Q3 sales boosted by strong performances in China and the US.

Harrods new Fine Wines and Spirits Rooms aims to educate and ‘break down barriers’

Luxury department store Harrods has reaffirmed its place as one of London’s premiere destinations for fine wines and spirits after unveiling its multi-million pound renovation.

AB InBev acquires Master of Malt owner Atom Group

ZX Ventures, the growth and innovation unit of AB InBev, has acquired the parent company of Master of Malt, Atom Group, for an undisclosed sum.

Amathus Drinks appoints Mike Miller as head of marketing

Amathus Drinks has appointed previous Catalyst marketing director, Mike Miller, as its new head of marketing.

Rémy Cointreau reports annual sales increase boosted by strong Chinese performance

Rémy Cointreau has reported an increase in annual sales, boosted by demand in China for its Cognac, and kept its target for profit growth this year.

Jose Cuervo extends Margarita Rumble sponsorship deal

Jose Cuervo has signed a deal to sponsor the mixologist Margarita Rumble competition for the second year running.

A Glass With is back with its third series

A Glass With, the podcast that ‘drinks with the stars’, is back with its third series.

Diageo earmarks £150m for investment in its Scotch whisky experience

Diageo has announced it will invest £150 million in its Scotch whisky experience across the next three years.

Romanian wine sales soar at Waitrose

Waitrose has reported a surge in the popularity of Romanian wine.

Majestic reveals plans to accelerate Naked Wines growth

Majestic has announced it intends to accelerate growth by increasing investment in acquisitions for its Naked Wines arm.

Cuvée 3000 turnover soars boosted by thirst for natural wines

Cuvée 3000 - Spain’s leading natural wine distributor, has announced a 20% rise in annual turnover with growth triggered by a ‘double effect’ in demand: growth in wine consumption (especially for local wines), coupled with an “explosion in demand” for natural wines.