Andrew Catchpole
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Editor of Harpers Wine & Spirit
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Articles by Andrew Catchpole
The Drinks Trust’s Laser Clay Wine Shoot returns
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 28 October, 2026 The annual Laser Clay Wine Shoot in support of The Drinks Trust is returning for a third time this January, raising monies for the industry charity. Hosted by Hatch Mansfield, the event will bring together teams and individuals from across the drinks trade on Thursday 14 January for a packed day of eating and action.
On-trade: Reviving a true classic
Home Analysis & Insights By Andrew Catchpole Published: 28 October, 2026 Threaded into the DNA of London since opening in 1929, Giovanni Quaglino’s eponymous oasis fast became the haunt of aristos and fashionable society. Everyone from the Mountbattens and Mrs Simpson to Evelyn Waugh and King Alfonso of Spain patronised its restaurant and bar, with cocktails, dining and dancing very much fuelling its glitzy atmosphere. Access to this article is restricted.
BIH Spotlight Awards 2026 winners unveiled
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 14 October, 2026 London’s swish Quaglino’s once again provided the backdrop for the Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH) Awards bash this year, with the popular event bringing together 300 industry professionals to celebrate the sector’s Black and ethnic minority talent.
Producer Q&A: Evanthia Mitropoulou, co-owner and winemaker, Domaine Nerantzi
Home People & Opinion By Andrew Catchpole Published: 13 October, 2026 Making fantastic wines from indigenous and rare varieties, Serres-based Evanthia Mitropoulou explains the importance of Greece’s viticultural heritage. Access to this article is restricted. You need to have a valid subscription to access this content. If you already have a subscription please log in. Subscribe Subscribe today for unrestricted access to ALL content and receive all email newsletters.
Mount Athos: Greece’s holy wines
Home Analysis & Insights By Andrew Catchpole Published: 07 October, 2026 That Greek wine has taken off in the UK is possibly no surprise. The country’s collective portfolio is bursting with the kind of indigenous varieties and typically smaller producers that tick all of the ‘authenticity’ and ‘discovery’ boxes that drinkers are increasingly seeking out. Quality is on a high too.
Liberty strengthens southern Italian offer
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 05 October, 2026 Liberty Wines has boosted its southern Italian portfolio with the addition of Quintodecimo and Bella-Colonna estates. Long known as champion of quality Italian producers, the importer’s new additions join the likes of Mandrarossa, Donnafugata and Mecori, tapping into the current trend towards wines from beyond the big-name regions of Barolo, Brunello and Chianti Classico.
The results: Top 50 Drinks Wholesalers 2026
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 05 October, 2026 Judging our Top 50 list of UK drinks wholesalers is both a fascinating and demanding task, not least because of the shear variety of shapes and sizes of well-run drinks suppliers that compete for share in this market. Some in this list offer the most traditional of estates, some have specialisations that take them more off-piste, some have national reach while others are more regional.
5 minutes with… Andrew Rogerson
Home People & Opinion By Andrew Catchpole Published: 29 September, 2026 Andrew Catchpole talks to estate head sommelier at Michelin-starred Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall about his journey to championing the lesser-known. Access to this article is restricted. You need to have a valid subscription to access this content. If you already have a subscription please log in. Subscribe Subscribe today for unrestricted access to ALL content and receive all email newsletters.
The evolving face of Rioja
Home Analysis & Insights By Andrew Catchpole Published: 23 September, 2026 The closing gala dinner of Rioja’s year-long centenary celebrations was by any measure a glittering affair. With the Consejo introducing its renewed dynamism by way of Raquel Pérez Cuevas, the first female president in its history, the extraordinary number of aged, high-end wines poured also pushed home the message that this region can stand tall in the world.
Q&A: Charlotte Symington, associate director – marketing, Symington Family Estates
Home People & Opinion By Andrew Catchpole Published: 17 September, 2026 With fifth-generation Charlotte Symington becoming the first female board director in 144 years, she speaks to Harpers about innovation and reinvention at this venerable port estate. Launching your 2024 vintage, you said port has changed. How so?
Drappier roundtable: Brut nature and forgotten varieties
Home Analysis & Insights By Andrew Catchpole Published: 15 September, 2026 Hugo Drappier and Harpers invited a panel of leading sommeliers to discuss brut nature and overlooked old varieties, asking how such innovative wines fit with the modern sommelier and contemporary cuisine. Access to this article is restricted. You need to have a valid subscription to access this content. If you already have a subscription please log in.
Artificial Intelligence: Back office benefits
Home Analysis & Insights By Andrew Catchpole Published: 11 September, 2026 Everyone is using AI,” says Andrew Bate, chairman of the Society of Vintners. For him and the other drinks companies Harpers spoke to for this article, this powerful new technology is making a subtle mark on the way their back office operations work. There, efficiency is key.
England shines at glitzy IWC 2026 Awards bash
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 10 September, 2026 The very old and the very new were on show this week (8 September) as the International Wine Challenge (IWC) Awards burst into action at a packed Guildhall in London.
The power of pink: Moët Hennessy’s premium rosé success
Home Analysis & Insights By Andrew Catchpole Published: 02 September, 2026 Whispering Angel has by any measure been an extraordinary success, helping energise the whole rosé category and doing so while persuading happy punters to part with over £20 of their hard-earned cash.
5 minutes with… Tristan Stephenson
Home People & Opinion By Andrew Catchpole Published: 25 August, 2026 The serial bar founder and author tells Harpers about the inspiration for his latest book, The Curious Bartender’s Vodka Chronicles. Access to this article is restricted. You need to have a valid subscription to access this content. If you already have a subscription please log in. Subscribe Subscribe today for unrestricted access to ALL content and receive all email newsletters.
Matthew Jukes passes away
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 07 August, 2026 Influential UK wine writer Matthew Jukes died on Thursday (6 August) in Portugal, aged 58. Matthew, whose award-winning career spanned journalism, judging, authoring books and presenting wine events, is understood to have passed away suddenly while away with his family. His career was long and multi-faceted, beginning in 1987 when he began working in the Barnes Wine Shop in London under the tutelage of consultant James Rogers.
Producer Q&A: Adrianna Catena & Gearóid Lane, co-owners, El Reventón
Home People & Opinion By Andrew Catchpole Published: 05 August, 2026 El Reventón’s Adrianna Catena and Gearóid Lane talk Andrew Catchpole through their remarkable Gredos-based project. Can you tell us what El Reventón means? AC: It’s basically a good night with your friends, a bit of an excessive night – literally something explosive, a blowout. GL: We bought the El Reventón vineyard from Danny Landi [of Comando G fame] and we liked the name of the vineyard so much we called the wine El Reventón.
El Reventón mourns damage to top San Gregorio vineyard
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 05 August, 2026 Gredos producer El Reventón has confirmed the extent of the damage to its San Gregorio vineyard following the horrific recent wildfires to the west of Madrid. The estate, which features in the Producer Q&A slot in this August issue of Harpers, was hit by the fires just after the magazine went to press, with large tracts of the local pine forest around nearby El Tiemplo being engulfed by the flames.
Yalumba announces launch of 2026 Rare & Fine Collection
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 05 August, 2026 Barossa-based winery Yalumba has announced the global launch of its 2026 Rare & Fine Collection, led by The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2023, which will be available exclusively through The Wine Society in the UK from 19 August.
Wine GB Conference: Renewed export drive for sparkling wines
Home Analysis & Insights By Andrew Catchpole Published: 03 August, 2026 There’s no doubt that the English and Welsh wine sector has been on quite a roll. Production, quality and positive perception have all continued to rise, helping fuel the optimistic buzz at this year’s Wine GB Conference in London.
On-trade: Top 50 Sommeliers 2026
Home Analysis & Insights By Andrew Catchpole Published: 31 July, 2026 With nominations now in and the judging for our best of the UK somms fast approaching this August, Andrew Catchpole recaps on what it’s all about and how it works. Access to this article is restricted. You need to have a valid subscription to access this content. If you already have a subscription please log in. Subscribe Subscribe today for unrestricted access to ALL content and receive all email newsletters.
5 minutes with… Charlie Young, founder, Charlie’s Bottle Shop
Home People & Opinion By Andrew Catchpole Published: 21 July, 2026 As former Vinoteca star Charlie Young beds in his new wine shop in Stoke Newington, Andrew Catchpole listens in on his very welcoming and local approach. Access to this article is restricted. You need to have a valid subscription to access this content. If you already have a subscription please log in. Subscribe Subscribe today for unrestricted access to ALL content and receive all email newsletters.
WineGB calls on government for duty relief at the cellar door
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 20 July, 2026 The annual WineGB Conference late last week (16 July) called for more government support for the fast-growing sector, launching a ‘Wine Tourism Relief’ campaign, to help drive forward the development of cellar door business.
Friday read: Adding a touch of theatre to wine
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 17 July, 2026 Much is written about wine and food pairing, and only very occasionally do people go a little more off-piste and have some evident fun with complimentary music and wine suggestions. However, the opening of new wine bar iGOLI at House of Sisters Grimm in London is taking the latter idea to a new high.
France report: Trends in French wine
Home Analysis & Insights By Andrew Catchpole Published: 17 July, 2026 France remains a powerhouse in the UK wine market, although its position is far from unassailable. The headline figures from IWSR data show that in 2025 in the UK, 88% of total French origin wine was consumed in the off-trade, and 12% in the on-trade. Access to this article is restricted. You need to have a valid subscription to access this content. If you already have a subscription please log in.
Producer Q&A: Mauricio González-Gordon & Antonio Flores CEO and head winemaker, González Byass
Home People & Opinion By Andrew Catchpole Published: 16 July, 2026 Following the auction of a selection of its historic Jerez bottle library in partnership with Christie’s, designed to reinforce the ‘fine wine’ credentials of sherry, the pair behind one of Jerez’s most dynamic bodegas talk to Andrew Catchpole about innovation. Access to this article is restricted. You need to have a valid subscription to access this content. If you already have a subscription please log in.
Sell on flavour profiles and relative value, says Rum Show panel
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 13 July, 2026 The Whisky Exchange’s annual Rum Show (10-11 July) is by any measure a comprehensive affair, bringing together over 40 producers, featuring 350-plus rums, with both trade and consumer slots for good measure.
Q&A: Milena de Waele, head sommelier, Pétrus by Gordon Ramsay
Home People & Opinion By Andrew Catchpole Published: 14 July, 2026 Andrew Catchpole catches up with one of the most passionate somms in London to talk wine, wisdom and work. Access to this article is restricted. You need to have a valid subscription to access this content. If you already have a subscription please log in. Subscribe Subscribe today for unrestricted access to ALL content and receive all email newsletters.
Sell on flavour profiles and relative value, say Rum Show panel
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 13 July, 2026 The Whisky Exchange’s annual Rum Show (10-11 July) is by any measure a comprehensive affair, bringing together over 40 producers, featuring 350-plus rums, with both trade and consumer slots for good measure.
Sell rum on flavour profiles and relative value, say Rum Show panel
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 13 July, 2026 The Whisky Exchange’s annual Rum Show (10-11 July) is by any measure a comprehensive affair, bringing together over 40 producers, featuring 350-plus rums, with both trade and consumer slots for good measure.
Hollywood actor turned winemaker Sam Neill passes away Original
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 13 July, 2026 Sam Neill, best known for his roles in the Jurassic Park films but also much respected in the trade for his Two Paddocks wines, has died “suddenly and unexpectedly”, according to reports by the BBC and others. Aged 78, Neill was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma in 2022, but had announced he was clear of the blood cancer earlier this year after ongoing courses of treatment.
Sommelier Wine Awards 2026: Top merchants and producers revealed
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 06 July, 2026 In addition to the outstanding selection of trophy, gold, silver and bronze medal wines at this year’s Sommelier Wine Awards (SWA), our winning producers and distributors are also now revealed.
Sommelier Wine Awards 2026: Top merchants and producers revealed
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 06 July, 2026 In addition to the outstanding selection of trophy, gold, silver and bronze medal wines at this year’s Sommelier Wine Awards (SWA), our winning producers and distributors are also now revealed.
Christie’s sherry auction hammer prices rival Bordeaux and Burgundy
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 01 July, 2026 A lot of González Byass Matusalem sherries from 1908, 1909 and 1911 achieved £4,750 at a recent Fine and Rare Wines and Spirits auction at Christie’s – a price more typically associated with top Bordeaux and Burgundy. The sale, which comprised wines dating from 1846 through to 2023 from the bodega’s newly opened Historical Archive of wine, was aimed at raising the ‘fine wine’ status of rare and old sherries.
Etruscan grape seeds shed light on pre-Chianti era
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 26 June, 2026 Grape seeds found in the depths of Etruscan wells in the woodlands of Badia a Coltibuono have been described as “reshaping the history of viticulture in the Chianti area”, according to the estate.
Indies: Maintaining a magnificent niche
Home Analysis & Insights By Andrew Catchpole Published: 26 June, 2026 Differentiation is the lifeblood of indie merchants, but with supply chain and cost issues most affecting smaller retailers and more niche imports, our recent London Wine Fair trade panel explored how best to keep the offer fresh and engaging. Access to this article is restricted. You need to have a valid subscription to access this content. If you already have a subscription please log in.
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 18 June, 2026 This year’s Sommelier Wine Awards Trophies (see below) and medals can be revealed, following the strongest showing yet of award-winning wines since Harpers took up the competition post-pandemic. Numbers crunched and scores assessed, France led the pack, with 27 Golds, pipping Italy at 23 (yet with the highest number of Critics Choice wines), with Spain also making the top three on 16 (and number two with regard to Critics Choice wines).
SWA 2026 medal winners announced
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 18 June, 2026 This year’s Sommelier Wine Awards Trophies (see below) and medals can be revealed, following the strongest showing yet of award-winning wines since Harpers took up the competition post-pandemic. Numbers crunched and scores assessed, France led the pack, with 27 Golds, pipping Italy at 23 (yet with the highest number of Critics Choice wines), with Spain also making the top three on 16 (and number two with regard to Critics Choice wines).
Ambitious new Drinkaware strategy seeks big reduction in higher risk drinkers
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 17 June, 2026 Drinkaware, the leading UK charity for tackling alcohol-related harm, has launched a five-year strategy with a target of a two million reduction in ‘risky drinkers’ in the UK by 2030.
Italy report: The country by numbers
Home Analysis & Insights By Andrew Catchpole Published: 17 June, 2026 Italy remains a powerhouse in terms of wine production, again topping the world’s volume output as a country for 2025, up from 2024’s near 44 million hectolitres to a heady 47 million hectolitres last year. Sparkling, led by the ongoing and seemingly unstoppable success of prosecco, continues to dominate, with the likes of still Pinot Grigio also feeding into export positivity. Access to this article is restricted.
Enotria introduces host of new estates
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 16 June, 2026 Enotria has added 11 new wineries for the launch of its 2026 list, spanning Italy, Germany, Austria, France, Australia, the USA and Chile. Befitting for an importer that began as an Italian specialist, Italy leads the pack, with Berlucchi (Franciacorta), Caccia al Piano (Bolgheri) and Nino Negri (Lombardy) coming aboard.
DGB enters distribution partnership with North South Wines
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 15 June, 2026 Leading South African producer DGB has entered into a “strategic distribution partnership” with North South Wines in the UK. Effective from 1 July, this step will see North South Wines take on the exclusive UK distribution of DGB wines, including the Boschendal (pictured), Bellingham, Franschhoek Cellar, Fryer's Cove and Old Road Wine labels.
Exton Park claims a first from 2013 vintage with latest release
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 15 June, 2026 Hampshire estate Exton Park has released its Blanc de Blancs 2013, claiming a first for the longest lees ageing from that vintage in the English sparkling wine firmament. Bottled in 2014 and spending 11 years on the lees before disgorgement in 2025, the 100% Chardonnay cuvée benefitted from a long, favourable ripening period, with an extended, warm summer allowing for full maturation of the grapes on the vine.
New drinks ordering platform launched for on-trade
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 15 June, 2026 A new drinks ordering platform has been launched for the on-trade, promising to remove many of the “costs and complexities” typically associated with selling into pubs, bars and restaurants. Called DrinksBox and founded by chairman Jeremy Hill, who’s resumé folds in Hi-Spirits and Proof Drinks, the new platform is designed to sidestep what are described as “traditional route-to-market barriers”.
Hallgarten lands Dr. Loosen and Villa Woolf
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 15 June, 2026 Hallgarten & Novum Wines has significantly boosted its German portfolio with the addition of the Dr. Loosen and Villa Wolf wines, from the Mosel and Pfalz respectively. Both estates are overseen by well-known owner and winemaker Ernst ‘Erni’ Loosen (pictured), who is a widely known figure in the trade and beyond, not least as a lifelong champion of Riesling.
New drinks ordering platform launched for on-trade
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 15 June, 2026 A new drinks ordering platform has been launched for the on-trade, promising to remove many of the “costs and complexities” typically associated with selling into pubs, bars and restaurants. Called DrinksBox and founded by chairman Jeremy Hill, whose resumé folds in Hi-Spirits and Proof Drinks, the new platform is designed to sidestep what are described as “traditional route-to-market barriers”.
Zareh Mesrobyan wins Ruinart Sommelier Challenge
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 09 June, 2026 Estelle Manor’s head of wine Zareh Mesrobyan won the 2026 UK Ruinart Sommelier Challenge yesterday (8 June), following a hard-fought contest at London’s Dorchester hotel. Second place went to Joanna Nerantzi, head sommelier at Raffles London at the Owo, with third being awarded to Grace Shih, head of wine at Restaurant St. Barts.
Producer Q&A: Ayana Misawa, head winemaker, Grace Wines
Home People & Opinion By Andrew Catchpole Published: 08 June, 2026 Having landed the plum role at her family estate in 2008, fifth-generation Ayana has helped propel Japan’s elegant Koshu grape to greater global recognition. Access to this article is restricted. You need to have a valid subscription to access this content. If you already have a subscription please log in. Subscribe Subscribe today for unrestricted access to ALL content and receive all email newsletters.
Vinos de Albariza firmly on course to gain DO status
Home News By Andrew Catchpole Published: 01 June, 2026 The growing number of quality still wines from the famous chalky-white marine soils of Jerez are all but confirmed to achieve DO status, pending final approval from the EU.
LWF: Reasons to be cheerful
Home Analysis & Insights By Andrew Catchpole Published: 01 June, 2026 You know things must be bad when industry leaders take time out to highlight the good things that are going on, focusing in on a handful of positives that have bucked the general besieged mood enveloping much of the drinks trade.
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