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The week that was

Published:  09 August, 2018

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, here’s a review of the top online news, analysis, opinions and features.

Top stories: Should winemaking be ruled by the head or the heart? This was the question posed by Tim Atkin MW in his latest column and one which resonated with readers this week.

Heart of course, along with passion and drive, are what makes the drinks industry thrive all over the world, often against incredible odds.

But keen business nous, an eye for the bottom line and being able to walk the line between tradition and trends is also required – and this has been highlighted by several of our stories this week, including the latest in our on-going August web series.

In our most recent interview, Ted Sandbach of The Oxford Wine company, talked about how his company is bucking the high street trend with a new city centre shop which is “buzzing with activity and energy”.

Elsewhere on the high street, we reported on the latest movements from ailing steak restaurant Gaucho, which is inching closer to finding a buyer.

As ever, we will continue to keep you updated on all the latest news and views at the click of a button.

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Analysis and Insights: This week we took a trip to Georgia, which many claim or consider to be the ‘birthplace of wine’.

While it is a country steeped in winemaking history, Lisa Riley found a winemaking scene that is attracting intrepid UK punters on the hunt for something new.

We also looked at how retail is keeping up with online competitors.

Although bricks and mortar stores are often see as lagging behind the digital curve, we connected with the businesses out there which are incorporating smart ways of working to bring the convenience, value and focus of online shopping to the shop floor.

People and Opinion: Guy Woodward took exception to a recent article from The Times this week, which declared fake wine could be “good for consumers”.

“Cloned Frankenwines” like the Replica series which intentionally riffs on well-known Californian styles might fool the experts, Woodward reasoned.

But this is hardly a positive step for consumers or those making the wine.

And our on-going meet the buyers series refreshed with Jon Moore, general manager/buyer at Swansea-based indie, Mumbles Fine Wines.