For all those looking to add stellar and bold variants of wine to their collection, you cannot turn your eye on the many exemplary wine merchants based in the UK. With large inventories comprising all kinds of wine, spanning from small, indigenous and organic family-run wine collections to the internationally acclaimed choices, take a look at the list below to acquaint yourself with some leading wine merchants in the UK.

The Wine Society

Established in 1874, The Wine Society is renowned as one of the finest member-based wine communities. Membership in this exclusive club grants access to wine tasting events, online programs, and the convenience of fairly-priced, top-notch bottles of wine delivered to your doorstep at no extra cost.

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Hedonism Wines

Hedonism Wines has earned accolades such as the Drinks Retailing Awards' Independent Wine Retailer of the Year 2015, Luxury Retailer of the Year 2017, and London's Best Independent Wine Merchant in Harper's 'Top 50 Indies' 2020. As one of London’s most exquisite wine and spirits boutiques, Hedonism Wines offers an impressive collection of well-known brands like Dom Perignon, Château Latour, and Laurent Perrier. Their knowledgeable staff can assist customers in building a wine collection.

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Majestic Wine

Founded by Sheldon Garner in 1980, Majestic Wine has grown to include over 200 stores across the nation. In addition to being a pioneer in the retail wine business, Majestic offers a member-based subscription model that provides members with a themed case of 12 wines every quarter.

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The Sampler

Established in 2006 by Dawn and Jamie, The Sampler was one of the first retail stores to install wine samplers, allowing customers to taste before they buy. Today, with over 80 wines available for sampling in their stores, customers can explore a wide range of options and gain insight into various brands before making a purchase.

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Corney and Barrow

Opened in 1780, Corney and Barrow started as a quaint wine shop selling only sherry, port, and Bordeaux. It has since expanded internationally, offering an exemplary collection of over 3,000 wines. In addition to retail, Corney and Barrow hosts various wine tasting events and provides services such as setting up a wine cellar from scratch. Their vast variety includes self-labelled wines and partnerships with producers worldwide.

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The Fine Wine Company

Set up in 2002, The Fine Wine Company is an e-tailer that ships across the UK. While they offer a wide variety of wines in their portfolio, they go the extra mile to source any particular wine that a customer may not find in their collection. Like any retail store, they provide wine knowledge to help customers make informed purchases.

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Rise and Vine

Operating since 2019, Rise and Vine was started by Guy Butters and Shaun Robert Smith, who bring over 40 years of combined experience in the wine industry. They source wines from a wide range of independent producers and host live music events and wine tastings to encourage better acquaintance with wine. Their product range includes notable names such as Crocera Barbera, Don Niconar, and Belle & Co.

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Lea & Sandeman

Lea & Sandeman strive to maintain fair prices while partnering with various indigenous groups. In addition to retailing wine, they offer services such as wedding planning, cellar planning, wine storage, and en primeur offers for Bordeaux and Burgundy.

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Adnams Southwold

Established in 1987, Adnams Southwold is not only known for brewing and distilling a wide range of beers and spirits but is also an award-winning wine merchant. They sell an assorted range of wines, including self-labelled products and well-known names such as Murdoch Hill and Forrest Estate.

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Bentley’s Wine Merchants 

Established in 2005 by Will and Helen Bentley, Bentley’s Wine Merchants is a family-owned business that sources wines from some of the greatest producers worldwide, including Peter Lehmann, Cave de Turckheim, and Patrick Javillier.

Image Source: Bentley's Wine Merchant (Facebook)

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Loki Wines

Founded in 2012, Loki Wines is located in Birmingham City Centre and offers a unique experience where visitors can sample up to 40 wines in an 'enoteca'-style wine lounge. Specialising in small and boutique producers, Loki Wines also boasts a diverse selection of spirits and craft beers, creating an inviting space for both casual wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs to explore new tastes.

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Taurus Wines

Taurus Wines, an award-winning independent wine merchant, has been serving the Surrey Hills since 2001. Founded by Rupert Pritchett, Taurus Wines began as a mail-order business operating out of an old cow shed. Today, the shop is housed in a renovated 400-year-old barn near Guildford, with plans to open a second store in Surrey in 2018. Known for its highly qualified staff, including WSET Diploma holders and an MW on the team, Taurus Wines prides itself on offering a more knowledgeable buying experience than most supermarkets. The merchant is renowned for its expertly sourced fine and party wines.

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Satchells Wines 

Founded in the 1880s, Satchells Wines boasts a collection featuring products from local and emerging producers, along with several self-labelled wines that have received international acclaim. Some of their best sellers include Camino Real, Petit Chablis, and Satchells' own labels.

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Made in Little France

Made in Little France’s roots extend well beyond the opening of its first London shop in 2013. The business carries a rich legacy, originating from a Parisian shopkeeper and his family, who have been passionately dedicated to French "terroir" produce since the 1950s. Maxence, the current proprietor, upholds this tradition, offering a carefully curated selection of products directly imported from local French producers. The family has maintained long-standing relationships with these producers, ensuring quality and fairness in every transaction.

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JN Wines

In 2017, James Nicholson marked 40 years in the wine industry, earning the trust of wine enthusiasts who value his extensive knowledge and passion for discovering the best wines from around the world. James’s reputation is well-established, with JN Wine receiving the International Wine Challenge Regional Merchant of the Year award 30 times since 1988. James Nicholson has been a pivotal figure in Northern Ireland's wine scene for over four decades, transitioning from the restaurant industry to establishing the successful wine business known today as JN Wine.

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Yapp Brothers

Yapp Brothers is a leading wine merchant in the UK, known for supplying some of the finest restaurants, including more than 50 Michelin-starred establishments. Founded in 1969, Yapp Brothers has earned a reputation as the UK's premier importer of French regional wines. The merchant has been recognized as the IWC Specialist Wine Merchant of the Year for the Rhône in 2021, and they frequently host tastings and dinners at top venues across the country.

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Cambridge Wine Merchants

Cambridge Wine Merchants is one of the UK's most respected independent wine merchants. Established in 1993, the business has grown to become a vital part of the local community and a respected name in the wider wine industry. With a focus on personal service and a passion for quality, Cambridge Wine Merchants has received numerous awards, including the prestigious International Wine Challenge awards for the Best Independent Wine Retailer. The business offers an extensive selection of wines, beers, spirits, and liqueurs, with a commitment to sourcing from smaller, artisanal producers.

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Tanners Wines

Tanners Wines is a family-owned and operated independent wine merchant that celebrated its 180th anniversary in 2022. The company is led by James Tanner, the fourth generation of the Tanner family to oversee the business. Tanners Wines serves both private clients and corporate customers, including hotels, restaurants, universities, and companies across the UK. As a part-owner of the Merchant Vintners Company, a consortium of independent wine merchants, Tanners is involved in a group with a combined annual turnover exceeding £400 million. The company’s commitment to quality and independence continues to be its hallmark.

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Reserve Wines

Reserve Wines, established in 2003 in West Didsbury, Manchester, has expanded to operate across three locations in the North West. The Didsbury site serves as a primary retail hub, complemented by a significant wholesale and corporate business. The second location, in Altrincham, is part of a town regeneration project, offering a unique dining experience within the old Market Building. In addition to retail, this site offers wines by the glass and bottle for on-site consumption. The newest venture is within Bents Garden and Home Centre’s Food Hall, where Reserve Wines manages the wine concession, featuring wines from sampling machines, by the glass, and an extensive retail section.

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Butlers Wine Cellar

Butlers Wine Cellar, a long-standing independent wine merchant based in Brighton, is celebrated for its diverse selection of over 2,000 wines, including a wide range of eclectic choices from around the world. The cellar specialises in English sparkling wines, Portuguese selections (recognized as the 2013 Portuguese Wine Retailer of the Year), and Californian vintages. A key part of the Brighton community, Butlers Wine Cellar is actively involved in the Brighton and Hove Food Festival and regularly hosts engaging and informative events.

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These leading wine merchants are more than just suppliers; they are curators of fine taste and tradition. With their deep knowledge and passion for wine, they offer customers a gateway to some of the best wines from around the globe, ensuring that both connoisseurs and casual drinkers have access to exceptional quality.