Keeping things under wraps

The wines that our judges taste don’t look very pretty when they’re delivered. It’s important that merchants don’t know what they’re tasting, so each bottle is wrapped in a black bag, and if we think there’s any chance that the wine could be identified by its capsule, then that’s obscured too, in some ugly white sticky paper to avoid giving the game away.

It’s clearly the fairest way to put our wines through their paces. Our judges tell us that, as well as providing a good workout for their blind tasting skills, the process is an invaluable opportunity to sample wines that they would otherwise not have encountered.

The No 2 Pound Street Cellar, Wendover, Bucks

Michael Boniface has over 20 years’ experience in the wine trade and is the wine buyer at this popular food and wine emporium.

The Wine Club, Rainhill, Merseyside

Since its launch in 2018, sisters Rochelle Garbutt and Danielle Milnes have expanded their wine business to include artisan pizzas and charcuterie.

Three Pillars Wine, Eccleshall, Staffordshire

Established in 2017, Kieran O’Brien’s shop stocks over 300 lines as well as a range of premium gins, single malts and craft beers.

Tiny’s Tipple, Chorlton, Manchester

As well as offering a huge range of wines, beers and spirits, Ed Gillibrand and his team are also responsible for some incredibly creative window displays.

Tom I’Anson Wines, Cheltenham

Tom fell in love with wine while working at Justerini & Brooks. Nowadays he retails and wholesales from his Colesbourne base.

Victor Indigo November, Gateshead

Accountant turned wine nerd Charlotte Fenwick started her wine journey with a blog before launching her shop with her wife Lorrie in January this year.

Wandering Palate, Eccles

Expect the best wines and beers paired with luxury larder goodies (and the occasional life drawing class) from the wonderfully artistic Will and Emma Evans.

Wild & Lees, south London

Liam Plowman set up his shop and tasting room in 2016 and runs regular tastings and events for the Herne Hill locals.

WineKraft, Edinburgh

Kirsty McEwan has over seven years’ experience in the wine trade. Now she’s “resident cork dork” at WineKraft, established by Graeme Sutherland in 2021.

Wines by the Sea, Portsmouth

Sommelier turned retailer Lucy Jackson launched her shop in 2021 and loves to encourage her customers to try something new.