Those involved in the winemaking and selling business know how important it is to choose a good distributor. And in a country as large and diverse as the UK, looking for just the right distributing partner can be tricky. To make things easier, take a look at our collated list of 15 leading distributors in the UK. From names succeeding a legacy to those boasting large and varied portfolios, you’ll definitely want to look up these big players.

Hallgarten and Novum Wines

Hallgarten and Novum Wines focus exclusively on wine, boasting a portfolio of over 1,000 brands curated by Head Buyer Steve Daniel, who is credited with introducing Greek and Chilean wines to the UK market. The company supports a diverse clientele through logistics, marketing, and customer services, and is dedicated to bringing new and emerging wines to the forefront of the industry.

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Bibendum Wine

Bibendum is a leading UK wine wholesaler and specialist, supplying a wide range of clients, including Michelin-starred restaurants and well-known pubs. Partnered with over 280 winemakers, Bibendum emphasises sustainability and offers tailored WSET courses through their award-winning training team.

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Graft Wine Company

Established in London in 2019, Graft Wine Company has quickly become a prominent player in the UK wine industry. Committed to sourcing wines from top vineyards worldwide, their portfolio includes selections from Chile, France, Italy, and Argentina, showcasing the distinctive character of each terroir. With a focus on small producers and sustainable practices, Graft Wine Company is a leading choice for organic and sustainable wines.

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Fells

Fells, one of the UK's leading wine distributors, has been a trusted name since its founding in 1858 in Kings Langley. The company represents some of the world's most renowned family-owned fine wine producers, including Familia Torres and Symington Family Estates. Fells is also the exclusive distributor for the premium Port producer W & J Graham’s, among others, sourcing wines from various regions.

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Enotria and Coe

Enotria and Coe, a prominent wine distributor and supplier led by Julian Momen, stays ahead of industry trends to ensure their portfolio remains relevant. They offer a diverse range of options, including organic, vegan, dessert, still, and sparkling wines, carefully selected from international producers. Enotria and Coe serve esteemed brands like Perrier Jouet, Planeta, and d’Arenberg.

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Alliance Wine

Founded in 1984 by Chris Bouteiller in Ayrshire, Scotland, Alliance Wine has earned a reputation as one of the UK’s leading independently owned wine suppliers. With a mission to "create a better world for wine," Alliance Wine focuses on sustainable winemaking practices. Their team of experienced buyers prioritises wineries that share this commitment, serving both on-trade and off-trade clients.

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Bancroft Wines

With partnerships with over 190 award-winning wineries from 15 countries, Bancroft Wines offers a diverse and sustainable portfolio. For the past 30 years, they have prioritised quality, sourcing wines from small, family-owned wineries that produce organic and sustainable products, serving both on-trade and off-trade clients.

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Vinissimo

Founded by Franco Santoro, a pioneer in the Italian wine market, Vinissimo is now managed by his children, Paul and Chantal Santoro. Specialising in Italian fine wines, Vinissimo's portfolio includes products like La Pietra and Rocca Sveva. The company offers tasting events and sales training to ensure wines reach the right audience, backed by their approachable and responsive customer service.

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Ehrmanns

Ehrmanns, established in 1875, is a distinguished UK wine supplier with a portfolio featuring award-winning wines such as Carolina Reserva Sauvignon Blanc and Montecillo Rioja Blanco Barrel Fermented. With expertise in family-owned wineries across 13 countries, Ehrmanns is a trusted source for exceptional wines.

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Liberty Wines

Founded by David Gleave MW, Liberty Wines has earned prestigious titles such as Drinks Company of the Year 2024. The company offers an exceptional portfolio and outstanding customer service, partnering with over 400 wine producers from 25 countries. Liberty Wines is a trusted supplier to renowned pubs, restaurants, and retailers.

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Philip von Nell Wines

Founded in 1977 and based in Nottingham, Philip von Nell Wines began with a focus on German wines. They have since expanded to include both Old and New World wines while maintaining their commitment to importing from boutique and family-owned estates. Their small team offers competitive pricing and a curated selection of exceptional wines to pubs, bars, restaurants, and merchants.

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Berkmann Wines

Berkmann Wines, established in 1964, is one of the UK’s largest wine importers, with a portfolio of over 1,000 wines from more than 20 countries. Representing renowned wineries like Georges Duboeuf and Marchesi Antinori, Berkmann supports its clients through large-scale tastings, intimate winemaker dinners, and themed wine events.

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Jeroboams Trade

Jeroboams Trade, originally known as Laytons, began in 1934 by offering a selection of fine European wines to private customers and businesses. Today, with brands like Chateau Latour and family-owned estates like Hunter’s Wines and Moss Wood, Jeroboams demonstrates their extensive knowledge and experience in wine trade and retail.

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Indigo Wine

Indigo Wine, awarded Spanish and Portuguese Specialist of the Year at the IWC Industry Awards 2024, specialises in artisanal wines primarily from Spain. Partnering with small estates that use organic and biodynamic farming, Indigo Wine has expanded its portfolio to include producers from Portugal, Austria, South Africa, and Chile.

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Boutinot Wines

Boutinot Wines was founded by Paul Boutinot, who sought to improve the quality of wines available in the UK during the 1970s by importing wines from France. Today, the company is backed by three in-house Masters of Wine and sources wines from over 25 countries, including notable products like Château Mercian from Japan and Adorado de Menade from Spain.

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In conclusion, the above listed wine distributors play a crucial role in ensuring that consumers and businesses alike have access to a diverse range of quality wines from around the world. Their expertise, strong networks, and commitment to excellence have cemented their place in the industry, offering a reliable supply chain that supports both the retail and hospitality sectors.

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