We created Burgundy Wines as a specialist wine supplier wholly focussed on all areas of Burgundy. The target was solely retail customers. In 2005, we created a joint venture with Sheridan Coopers, to form The Winehouse in Shoreham-by-Sea. The Winehouse was primarily aimed at retail customers, but it soon developed and acquired wholesale customers as well. The narrow focus on Burgundy was changed to wines from across the globe. The Winehouse and Burgundy Wines operated as two companies for many years.
Our business grew dramatically from 2020 in the early months following the Covid outbreak. Soon after Covid, Jay joined the company and we started to gain wholesale customers. We outgrew our limited space and moved to a new unit at the Newbrook Business Park. Growth continued and we again moved into larger premises still on the Newbrook Business Park.
Derek
At the start, I remember sitting in the grand office of a Chablis producer feeling a touch nervous with my knowledge of wine in front of this expert. He asked the dreaded question, “What do you know about wine?”. I blurted out something like “I’ve been drinking it for the last 25 years”. That seemed to work!
I have seen massive changes in demand over that time. The old traditional favourites seem to have priced themselves beyond most of us, so new techniques, new generations of winemakers and new wines have filled the gaps quite beautifully. Some wines are becoming more fashionable again, which is great to see.
I have fond memories of visits to wine producers, and I am constantly amazed at the growing improvements, many of which have kept wines affordable to most people.
James
About 20 years ago I joined a small wine merchant in Brighton, and fell instantly in love with the trade. I soon signed up to WSET courses to better my knowledge, and more recently the in-depth and very challenging Wine Scholar Guild Courses with Johnny Gibson at The Sussex Wine School.
I have now passed their French and Spanish courses and was recently awarded an honours for the Italy course! Over the years I've visited vineyards both here in Sussex and abroad. It has been great talking with producers and of course tasting their great array of wines. My wine interests have become truly varied and this for me somewhat mirrors the vast range and quality of wines on offer from all over. Someone has to do it!