News

3rd November 2016

Andean Adventures

Separated by the curving spine of the Andes Mountains, Argentina and Chile lie side by side in the southern half of South America. These long, thin countries take latitudinal variation to the extreme, and it accounts for the huge variety of wines they produce. But it is the influence of the Pacific Ocean and altitude of the Andes that have contributed to their growing reputation as quality winemaking regions. These cooling influences moderate intense heat and sunlight, allowing grapes to ripen slowly, so that flavours...

19th October 2016

in Producer Stories

by Jessica Broadbent

New World Pinot Power

As the nights darken and our trees transform from vibrant green to deep orange and apricot, we look for wines that offer those autumnal scents and flavours. Here are three New Zealand Pinot Noirs we tasted last week that offer just that, but are each uniquely different. Craggy Range Te Muna Road Pinot Noir 2013 First up is Craggy Range Te Muna Road Pinot Noir 2013, sourced from vineyards 7km outside of Martinborough, on New Zealand’s North Island. Sharing the same latitude as its more southerly neighbour Marlborough,...

Spanish producers for Walker and Wodehouse

17th October 2016

in Out and About

by Jessica Broadbent

Three days in Spain

A flying visit to Spain was a great way to catch up with our producers in both Rioja and Ribera del Duero. With the harvest just starting in both regions it was great to walk the vineyards, amidst pickers and tractors! Both regions have experienced an incredibly hot and dry summer and temperatures in the first week of October were still pushing 26°C. Miguel Merino A visit to Miguel Merino is always a pleasure and an impromptu lunch of chargrilled chuletas de cordero, chorizo and jamon paired brilliantly...

12th October 2016

in Events

by Jessica Broadbent

Malbec in the Making – a chance to host your own Catena Malbec blending evening

Bodega Catena Zapata is one of Argentina’s leading wineries. The proud recipient of three separate trophies at the 2016 IWC awards, they are well known throughout the world for their elegant and expressive high-altitude Malbec. Over the next few months, they’ll be teaming up with Independent Wine Merchants throughout the UK to deliver a series of fun and informative masterclasses for consumers. Guests will gain a unique insight into how Catena Alta Malbec is made, by tasting its individual components before blending. They’ll learn about the...

22nd September 2016

in Promotions

by Elona Hesseling

Your chance to win £1,000 with ‘Shop Rioja’ in October

As we tiptoe into autumn, what better time to re-kindle our love for Spain’s most famous wine. From 1 to 30 October independent merchants and retailers all over the country will be raising awareness of the quality and diversity of wines from Rioja, by taking part in the month-long ‘Shop Rioja’ promotion. Participating retailers will be in with a chance of winning £1,000 towards new Rioja wine listings, and of earning the title of Large Rioja Retailer of the Year (3 -15 outlets) or Small Rioja...

20th September 2016

in Producer Stories

by Jessica Broadbent

New Wave Australian Winemaking From Some Young Punks

Something exciting is happening Down Under. Australia’s new wave of artisan winemakers is sweeping aside the old guard and changing how we think about Australian wine. And right at the heart of the movement is Some Young Punks. University friends Col McBryde, Jen Gardner and Nic Bourke got together with one aim: to make exceptional wine with small estate charm and a tongue in cheek attitude. They started out in 2005 with miniscule production, but since then have expanded their portfolio and grown a large and devoted...

20th September 2016

in Producer Stories

by Jessica Broadbent

Hot New Wines from Italy’s Deep South

Where the Calabrian toe of Italy’s boot kicks Sicily into the Med lies a fascinating region full of mysterious traditions, fierce passions and plenty of soul. Far from the well-heeled north, this region is all about long hot summers, even longer lunches and a solid connection to the land. Known for its rich and varied cuisine, the region is less celebrated for its wines. But there are some truly exceptional examples if you’re prepared to look. You’ve probably never heard of some of the grape varieties...

1st September 2016

in Promotions

by Jessica Broadbent

Gear up for Christmas with our seasonal promotions

It’s that time of year again! Getting ready for Christmas doesn’t have to be a headache and over the last few months we’ve been scouring lists in order to offer you the very best for this key selling period. In our 2016 Christmas Brochure you’ll find a host of promotions perfect for this time – featuring no less than 60 wines from 12 countries, it includes brilliant 7 for 6 case deals that are ideal for floor stacks, together with 5% and 10% offers. All of...

Walker and Wodehouse Autumn Tasting Autumn 2016

25th August 2016

in Events

by Jessica Broadbent

Walker & Wodehouse Autumn Tastings 2016

It’s nearly time for our pre-Christmas tastings, where we will be showcasing a range from brilliant and interesting artisan producers, alongside some of our favourite ex-cellar wines, exclusive labels and parcel offers. We’ll also be launching our ‘12 Drinks of Christmas’, with some great offers and gifting ideas for the festive season. London Monday 5 September | 11am – 4pm 41 Portland Place, London W1B 1QH Bristol Tuesday 6 September | 11am – 4.30pm Glassboat, Heloise Bay, Welsh Back, Bristol BS1 4SB Manchester Monday 3 October | 11am - 4pm The Albert Square Chop House,...

17th August 2016

in Promotions

by Jessica Broadbent

Tweet your perfect platter to win a case of Garage Wine Co.

A nod to Bordeaux’s garagistes, Garage Wine Co. is an antidote to the big, established brands that dominate the Chilean wine market. Canadian Derek Mossman Knapp started the company with the idea of making premium Chilean wine on a small scale, by hand with his family. His initial customer base of friends and family soon grew, with an increasing number of individuals and restaurants clamouring for his bold and beautiful wines. But despite growing in size, Garage Wine Co. has always stuck firmly to its handmade...