In the southwest London suburb of Wimbledon you will find Revelstoke Wines.. With a wide range of interesting wines from most of the wine producing regions of the World, a proper shop and online ordering (trade and retail), tastings and delivery the team led by Richard Household makes a fairly comprehensive offering.

Where ever possible we source our wines directly from the vineyard in which they were produced. This enables us to offer some truly unique wines as well as giving us the chance to form close relationships with the winemakers and Chateau owners themselves.
Why do we do it? We do this through choice: because we love discovering, tasting and bringing new wines to our customers….

There is a winemaker tasting dinner by Australian Ben Glaetzer from the Barossa Valley on 15 September 2010.

However, the online offering is a little disappointing – the on-line ordering system is a bit clunky. and the website is not uo-to-date – e.g. the News and Offers Section only refers to “Autumn 2009 newsletter coming soon”! Its always a little disappointing when the online offering is less than exciting – but I would always prefer a great selection of wines and knowledgeable passion about those wines to a fancy website with mediocre wines and poor service.

Revelstoke Wine, 76 Durham Road, West Wimbledon, London SW20 0TL
t: 020 8879 1810 e: orders@revelstoke.co.uk

Taurus Wines, in leafy Surrey, has a focus on providing wines and champagnes for parties and celebrations in Surrey and Sussex.

However, the wine list is not dominated by cheap plonk, but a good selection of reasonably priced wines and fizz from the main wine producing countries of the World. And discounts are on offer for 6 or more bottles of several Champagnes.

The “party” element is more about a Party/Celebration service – delivery and collection, ice boxes (“Eskies”) and loan of decent glasses – all things which can male life so much easier for the hosts!

The team has wide experience in the wine trade and should be able to provide you with decent advice, whether it is for an odd bottle in the shop or for planning a big bash!

In October and November 2010 they hold a number of tastings around the county: – ”

For our winter shows we have more-or-less the same wines open at each tasting and will have a mix of over 50 champagnes, wines, ports and the odd sherry for you to try.  All the tastings run from 6.30pm to 10pm.” The first one is in Bramley, Surrey on  15 October 2010 - see details

There are some good tasting notes and some vineyard profiles which ate very helpful – and navigating the site is easy with a variety of menu options. With a proper shop and online ordering available this could be the place to look!   The only element we could not discern was the rationale for the wines selected, as it looks to be more than “wines good for parties”!

Our wine is stored in a 17th century cowshed – hence the name Taurus (the Bull). The Cowshed is made from cotswold stone and has walls a foot thick, this means the perfect cool conditions for cellaring wine.Our shop itself (The Old cart House) is over 400 years old and is well worth a visit – there is more than ample free parking, and we normally have a bottle or two open for you to try.

Taurus Wines, The Old Cart House, Whipley Manor, PALMERS CROSS, Bramley, GUILDFORD,Surrey,GU5 0LL

t: 01483 54 84 84 e: rupert@tauruswines.co.uk

Vin Neuf (new wine) is a family-run independent wine merchant in the heart of Shakespeare’s home town – although the business is not as “new” as the name suggests:

Vin Neuf Limited, launched in April 2002, is a family run independent wine merchants supplying to the restaurant trade as well as retail customers.

July 2006 saw the opening of our first retail shop in Stratford-upon-Avon. The shop benefits not only in being positioned in the centre of the town but we are fortunate to have a unique cellar and tasting forum. For those of you who are unable to visit the shop but like the look of our wines,

The selection of wines looks really interesting – e.g some nice wines from Portugal as well as most of the other main wine-producing countries of both New and Old World.

Vin Neuf strives to offer more a interesting and carefully selected range of wines, many of which are not necessarily more expensive. Although we maintain our focus on wines from the Languedoc-Roussillon (and neighbouring regions) we also have a very healthy portfolio of other wines from around the globe

Online ordering and a proper shop make this an interesting proposition supplemented by regular tastings – e.g Chablis Laroche presented by Anne Roche on on 16 September 2010.

Vin Neuf Wine Merchants, Union Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire  CV37 6QT

t: 01789 261 747  e: info@vinneuf.co.uk

In the shadow of Romsey Abbey in Hampshire are the premises of Heaton Wines, who claim to be “Hampshire’s most cultured independent wine merchant!” With a useful online presence at www.mywinemerchant.co.uk. the focus in mainly on France, but also includes wines and spirits from around the world.  Burgundy and Armagnac look to be particular strengths.

Heaton Wines was set up on the premise that the choice of good-quality wines at reasonable cost was ever being eroded but that this need not be the case.Heaton Wines is therefore passionate in providing its customers with variety and diversity and offers individual wines of character and distinction.Although Heatons obtains its wines from a number of sources, it prefers to buy directly from the producer and, in particular, from small independent producers. This allows it to offer wines that are not generally available in the United Kingdom, wines that are hand-crafted by conscientious producers and wines that are definitely full of character – and often stunning.

Free open tastings are on offer most Saturdays in the shop (coming up are Chablis, Budget Bordeaux, Beaujolais) and there is also a series of monthly “Discovery Tastings” (£10 a ticket) held midweek at King John’s House in Romsey – e.g on 16 September 2010: Producer Tasting – Vignobles Alain Château (St-Émilion & Anjou); 14 October 2010: Les Femmes des Vignes; 18 November 2010: Côte de Nuits.

It all looks to be well worth a visit – only a few miles north of Southampton and a short detour from the M27 if you are passing through the region. They also boast an “Honest Pricing Charter” which offers some reassurance of transparecy in pricing.

Heaton Wines, 35 Church Street, Romsey, Hants SO51 8BT
t: 01794 830 330 e:info@heaton-wines.com

Having craftily bagged the web address of  www.thewinecompany.co.uk/, the people at Colchester Wine Company in Essex have developed an attractive and easy-to-navigate online wine merchant site. With a wide range of wines on offer, especially from France and Australia, Italy, Spain and New Zealand – there is bound to be something of interest to most palates.

We are a family owned wine merchants with over 150 years of wine industry experience. As such, our dedicated and knowledgeable staff are happy to provide answers to all your questions about wine purchase, enjoyment and storage. We are possibly one of the most diverse wine merchants offering a wide range of wine related services including wines for weddings, corporate events and advice on gift buying, investment and cellar management.

Delivery is offered nationwide (£7.99 for orders below £200) prepared by their grandly-named “specialist in-house fulfilment team”, but for locals (and visitors from further away) there is also a real shop – “Our retail premises at Gosbecks Park, Colchester is arguably the greatest wine shop in the country” – an abitious claim but you can take a virtual tour of the shop online to verify the statement – it looks very atmospheric and well-stocked.  Definitely worth a visit and/or a detour I suspect.

Regular tastings are also on offer, such as the Colchester Wine Challenge : France v The New World on 30 July 2010.

The Colchester Wine Company, Gosbecks Park, Colchester, Essex CO2 9JT

t:01206 713560 E: sales@thewinecompany.co.uk

Adnams, the respected East Anglian brewer, hotel keeper and independent wine merchant hosts a free tasting weekend on 11/12 June 2010 – AND is also offering a chance to win a superb holiday on a South African vineyard estate (after the World Cup)

Win a wine lover’s dream holiday to South Africa
Buy any 12 bottles of South African wine
to be entered into a draw to win a five-night stay for two people at the beautiful Seidelberg Estate
vineyard in Paarl.

For more info see Adnams Cellar & Kitchen

4 Drayman Square,Victoria Street, Southwold, Suffolk IP18 6G

Other branches in Suffolk, Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Essex and in Richmond, West London.

Buy any 12 bottles of South African wine
to be entered into a draw to win a five-night stay for two people at the beautiful Seidelberg Estate
vineyard in Paarl.

WIltshire-based independent Yapp Brothers throws open the doors at their Mere premises for Friday 24 and Saturday 25 June 2010 for their Summer Sale – always something interesting here – Rhone, Loire are especially strong.

Yapp Brothers, Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6DY

T: 01747 860423 E: sales@yapp.co.uk

I confess!  I am a great fan of Californian wines, especially good Zinfandels! A good red Zinfandel can be a superb marriage of huge depth of flavour, balanced tannins and buckets of ripe fruit – and to my mind California produces the best – but avoid the pink, blush Zins which to my mind are insipid.

My hunt for a good Zin led me some years ago to Frogs Leap winery – and I recall an excellent trade tasting some years ago in Manchester – friendly people and great wines. Hence I would be so tempted to attend Robersons tasting in West London on 9 June 2010:

Since its inception in 1981, Frog’s Leap has established itself as one of California’s leading wineries, making superb white and red wines that are among the Napa Valley’s best. We are absolutely delighted to welcome Jonah Beer from Frog’s Leap, who will talk us through a selection of their potfolio, including the iconic Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon.

The guys at Frog’s are some of the best in the business and this promises to be a fabulous tasting for anyone that is interested in New World wines and California inparticular. Having met Jonah before we can promise you that this will be an evening full of laughs and great wine.

And Frogs Leap do produce equally good Sauvingon Blanc. Chardonnay, Merlot etc. And they have a great website – entertaining but also really informative.

For more about Frogs Leap winery – see www.frogsleap.com

For details of the tasting at Robersons see www.robersonwinemerchant.co.uk/

Robersons, 348 Kensington High Street, London W14 8NS
T:020 7371 2121 E: enquiries@roberson.co.uk

Noel Young Wines already have a good reputation for offering interesting and great quality wines.
On 27 May 2010, they are hosting a tutored tasting with Matt Thomson, famed winemaker from New Zealand, showcasing a number of wines from the multi-award winning Saint Clair estate from Marlborough.

This superb winery has been receiving tremendous press over the last 10 years, culminating in International Wine Challenge Trophy awards for their 2007 Strip Block Pinot Noir, numerous accolades in the prestigious Air New Zealand Wine Awards, and Matt Thomson being voted White Winemaker of the Year at the 2008 International Wine Challenge. This promises to be a superb tasting from a fabulous estate and supreme winemaker

For more on St Clair see www.saintclair.co.nz
Noel Young Wines, 56 High Street Trumpington, Cambridge CB2 9LST:
01223 566744 or E:admin@nywines.co.uk to book tickets

Devon Wine Week runs in parallel with English Wine Week from 29 May – 6 June 2010.
Devon is one of the UK’s wine areas which has got its act together in terms of getting consumers involved – made easier by having a recognisable geographical area and already well-established marketing and tourism experience.
So during this week there are a wide range of events – tastings, vineyard tours, music, art and importantly a focus on wine and local food.

One event which took my eye was “Making a Living from a Vineyard:” a practical talk at 11am from Yearlstone owner Roger White – covering costs of planting, returns per acre, varietal selection, and the business models which work! – on 2 June at Yearlstone Vineyard, Bickleigh, nr Exeter, EX16 8RL
T: 01884 855700 E: roger@yearlstone.co.uk
See www.devonwineweek.co.uk

English Wine Week runs from May 29-June 6 2010. There will be free tastings and events at many Enlgish wineries.

You can find a vineyard by ordering a free map from English Wine Producers

A new, fully-revised map of English and Welsh vineyards has been produced by the UK wine industry.  An ideal accompaniment for the wine enthusiast, the map shows the lcoation of 163 vineyards throughout England and Wales, with cross referenced listings by county, full contact details (with postcodes for easy location), websites and a brief description.

The back of the map contains valuable at-a-glance background information such as wine styles and grape varieties, and colourful advertisement from a selection of the featured vineyards outlining the many facilities that are now available. For a free copy, please contact English Wine Producers. (T: 01536 772264).

The week’s events include Devon Wine Week and the Suffolk Show (2-3 June 2010) and other open days and events in the South and South East, Midlands and Yorkshire!

There have been some reports that the recent run of poor summers may have caused problems for some vineyards and grape varieities which need longer warmer weather for maturity – but English dry sparkling wine is getting a seriously good reputation amongst wine lovers.

The Winery Wine course focusses on German Rieslings on 27 May 2010 in North London

We are delighted that we have managed to bag Eva Fricke for the evening as she whizzes between Frankfurt, London and Oslo. Eva is a rising star on the German wine scene and somehow manages to craft her own ultra-artisan range from miniscule parcels of vines alongside a demanding day job at Leitz on the Rheingau. Sleep? Holiday? What are they?
In addition to featuring Eva’s wines from Lorch, the steepest part of the Rheingau, we will be exploring variations and nuances of different regions such as the Mosel, Rheinhessen and Franken.

It is perhaps time to revisit German wines – especially Rieslings which represent the pinnacle of German wine production. Too often German wines are dismissed as light and sweet – whereas in the past German Rieslings have been regarded as some of the finest wines in the world,

The Winery, 4 Clifton Road,  Lonfon w9 1ss

info@thewineryuk.com

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On Thursday 6 May 2010 Noel Young Wines are hosting a tasting with Tom Carson, winemaker extraordinare at Yabby Lake, Mornington Peninsula Australia;

this estate is currently producing some of the very best Chardonnay & Pinot Noir from Victoria, and hence Australia. The 2008 Yabby Lake Pinot Noir was voted the top Pinot Noir in Victoria recently, an impressive result given the competition. The winery is focused on regional character and has serious intentions with top quality clones planted and excellent vineyards. Tom Carson has worked vintages extensively around the world and has worked with such prestigious domaines as Domaine Bernard Moreau in Chassagne-Montrachet.

The estate operates 4 different labels, while the tasting would most likely focus on the wines from the Yabby Lake Vineyards & Red Claw label – this second label is focused on varietal character and regionality with a slightly more immediate style. This evening would promise to be an excellent evening as Tom’s an entertaining chap, and the wines are seriously impressive.

Yabby Lake vineyard is in Victoria – a cool and informative website will tell you more about the estate and the wines at www.yabbylake.com.

For details of the tasting call 01223 566744 – tickets £8.00

Noel Young Wines, 56 High Street Trumpington, Cambridge CB2 9LS.

T: 01223 566744, E: admin@nywines.co.uk

Alastair Mc Brayne runs a small specialist independen wine merchant business on the outskirts of Warwick – Dorjé’s Wine Company.

Dorjé’s Annual Spring Wine tasting  is being held on 27 April 2010 at the Granville at Barford – just a few miles south of the M40 motorway:

We will be featuring exciting new releases from Spain -  Experience the real flavour of wine from some organic and biodynamic Wineries and Estates, and learn a little more about those wines not normally seen. An unique evening of Wine Appreciation

The cost is £10.00 per head

www.dorjes.co.uk Unit 4, Rigby Close, Heathcote Industrial Estate, Warwick CV34 6TH

T: 01926 430550 E:info@dorjes.co.uk

With a network of 5 stores througout Cheshire, independent wine and spirits specialists Corks Out also offer an online presence, tastings etc

Shopping at Corks Out couldn’t be easier and whether you’re a confirmed wine buff, a newcomer to the pleasures of the vine or looking for a special whisky or rare spirit, we can help you make some interesting discoveries.

At Corks Out, we specialise in wines and spirits that are made with true passion and flair, worth every penny of their price tag. We take time to ensure that our selection stands out from the crowd and our award winning service and enthusiasm are renowned. In short, we love what we do.

The website is attractive and easy to navigate. The list extends to 2500 lines of wines and spirits from the Europe, the Americas, South Africa and Oceania.

Regular themed tastings are held in each of the branches – the theme for May 2010 will be “California Dreaming” (6 or 13 May 2010 depending on location)
Corks Out
21 Watergate Street, Chester CH1 2LB
96 London Road, Stockton Heath, Warrington WA4 6LE
53 Telegraph Road, Heswall, Wirral CH60 0AD
361 Stockport Road, Timperley WA15 7UG
73 London Road, Alderley Edge SK9 7DY