Giant Steps takes Bastard Hill in its stride

Giant Steps has acquired fellow Yarra Valley winery Bastard Hill, adding to its reach in Victoria.

UK among fastest growing no & low markets

The no-alcohol volume sector has been growing exponentially in recent years. If the latest IWSR data is anything to go by, the upward trend shows no signs of slowing, particularly in the UK.

WoodWinters takes the path less travelled for portfolio refresh

‘Wines and whiskies’ supplier WoodWinters has taken on six new producers as part of a push to broaden its focus on indigenous varietals, Harpers can reveal.

The Drinks Trust partners with Equal Measures to promote diversity

The Drinks Trust has partnered with the Equal Measures initiative to support marginalised and underrepresented people within the cocktail and spirits industry.

Consumers and on-trade at a stand-off over costs

As inflation takes hold of consumers and businesses alike, the hospitality industry remains in a deadlock, with businesses planning for more challenging times ahead.

Looking ahead: Anne Bousquet, Domaine Bousquet

Looking ahead: Matt Tipping, Jeroboams

With the first half of 2022 already history, Harpers asked key trade figures to highlight the current challenges, ongoing trends and opportunities. 

Setúbal wines at SITT – a mandatory stop on Portugal’s wine map

The wines of the Setúbal Peninsula will take centre stage at the upcoming edition of SITT, where broadcaster and writer Joe Wadsack will lead a vinous journey into some of Portugal’s most locally celebrated wines.

Cotswolds Distillery looks to export market after £3m cash injection

Cotswolds Distillery has unveiled plans to ramp up its production of English whisky and gin with the support of Santander UK.

Taittinger continues support for International Culinary Prize

Champagne house Taittinger will continue its support of the International Culinary Prize in the upcoming 2023 edition, with entries closing on 7 October.

North South Wines adds Champagne Mandois to its portfolio

One of Champagne’s largest organic vineyard owners, Champagne Mandois, has joined North South Wines and will be available through Independent Wine Merchants and the On-Trade.

Record-breaking early harvest for Spain

Spain has recorded some of its earliest ever harvests this year, with many parts of the country bringing picking forward in order to mitigate a barrage of wildfires, widespread drought and “constant heat”.

Hospitality business leaders react to staffing crisis

Unemployment levels are at a record low, while the total number of job vacancies in May-June 2022 was 1.3million, this is according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Climate Change could make UK leading red wine producer

The average growing season temperature (typically between April-October) in UK wine regions is currently estimated to be 14°C – an increase of 1°C since 1981. 

Everything is all white at Aldi

Aldi has lifted the lid on its most popular whites this summer, as consumers looked to slake their thirst in the record-breaking British sunshine.

Calls for Northern Ireland MUP to create a ‘level playing field’

Northern Ireland appears to be inching closer to the introduction of minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol after neighbours Republic of Ireland and Scotland introduced the legislation in January 2022 and May 2018, respectively. 

WineGB tasting looks to capitalise on rising sales

WineGB will be returning to London this September for a celebration of all things English wine – including another year of rising sales.

Scorched vineyards in Europe add to inflationary woes

Inflation has reached boiling point for the wine sector – with climate change adding to a melting pot of pressures which are placing increasing strain on the industry. 

Looking ahead: Andy Wood, Adnams

With the first half of 2022 already history, Harpers asked key trade figures to highlight the current challenges, ongoing trends and opportunities

Pinot Noir renaissance continues in Alsace

The ratification of Pinot Noir for use in of two Alsace's grand cru is opening up “new possibilities” as well as reviving a key part of the history of the region, an Alsace official has said.