News

11th July 2016

Artisan Tequila sales grow by 50%

Tequila is the fastest-growing spirits category in UK retail, currently experiencing 13% growth. While this Mexican spirits category still only constitutes a tiny fraction of the market, it is rapidly premiumising and shedding its image as a cheap party shot. While sales are growing across all price segments, it is the ultra-premium category registering the most success, rising 50% in the last year alone. With the current craft spirits revolution, tequila producers have seen the opportunity to focus on more artisan methods of production, using 100% Blue...

5th July 2016

in Producer Stories

by Jessica Broadbent

Charles Smith – Rock ‘n’ Roll wines from Washington’s Walla Walla

Hellraiser-turned-winemaker Charles Smith is the ‘rock star’ of Washington State Syrah. Having spent 11 years managing rock bands in Scandinavia, he headed back to his native United States to pursue a life-long passion for food and wine by opening a wine shop near Seattle. But it was only after he met a young French winemaker on a road trip to nearby Walla Walla that he thought about making his own. The aim was to create wines that can be enjoyed now, but with variety and vineyard...

5th July 2016

in Producer Stories

by Jessica Broadbent

P&F Wineries – Quality-driven wines from Slovenia

Despite a long history of winemaking spanning back to pre-Roman times, you’ve probably not heard much about Slovenian wine. Which is a shame. Because a drive towards quality in the last couple of decades has resulted in some exceptional winemaking, available at a fraction of the cost of the country’s better-known wine-producing neighbours. Landscape and heritage Bordered by Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia, Slovenia’s stunning landscape is characterised by the foothills of the Italian Alps, which smooth out into gentle hillsides with wide valleys and rivers. The...

22nd June 2016

in Producer Stories, Promotions

by Elona Hesseling

Capture the spirit of Brazil this summer

With the 2016 Rio Olympics just around the corner, this summer is going to be all about harnessing the noise and colour of one of the world’s most famous party capitals. And what better way to celebrate than with some Brazilian wine. Starting out as a rather niche presence in the UK market, the popularity of Brazilian wine exploded when Brazil hosted the World Cup in 2014, with sales more than quadrupling compared to the previous year. Now the fifth largest producer in the southern hemisphere,...

20th June 2016

in Producer Stories, Promotions

by Jessica Broadbent

Protos – elegant and refined Ribera del Duero

Founded in 1927, Protos takes its name from the fact it was the first company to make wine in Ribera del Duero. And it chose the area’s most impressive landmark for its winery. Penafiel Castle dates back to the 15th century and its imposing facade conceals 2.5km of tunnels, which provide the perfect environment for row upon row of oak barrels for ageing. In glorious juxtaposition to this monument is their state-of-the-art winery, which sits in front of the castle. Designed by British Architect Sir...

20th June 2016

in Producer Stories

by Jessica Broadbent

Outstanding Malbec from the oldest winery in Mendoza

Bodegas Escorihuela Gascon is Mendoza’s oldest working winery and was the first to start making wines from 100% Malbec in the 1940s. A true taste of Mendoza’s heritage and terroir, the wines are exclusive to Walker & Wodehouse. The story begins in 1880, when 19 year-old Spanish farmer Miguel Escorihuela Gascon left his family farm in Aragon to seek fortune and adventure in Argentina. His first taste of the wine trade was working in a grocery store in Buenos Aires, where he received deliveries of 300-litre...

15th June 2016

in News

by Jessica Broadbent

New Trade List now available

The latest Walker & Wodehouse list for 2016/2017 is now available as a PDF and you will receive a copy from your Account Manager soon. We’ve developed this new list based on customer feedback and market insights. We source from a range of international wine suppliers, with wines from over 15 countries, showcasing over 550 wines and 50 artisan spirits and craft beers. You’ll find great additions to our Italian, French, Spanish and Australian ranges. This portfolio is complemented by the Walker & Wodehouse Essentials range,...

2nd June 2016

in Events, News

by Elona Hesseling

Come and raise a glass for Her Majesty’s birthday

Walker & Wodehouse is one of only a handful of wine merchants to hold a Royal Warrant. And with this prestigious royal connection in mind, we will be celebrating her Majesty’s 90th birthday in style. We'll be hosting a royal street party today at our offices in Primrose Hill complete with some great British beverages and regal treats. We’ll be serving: Coates & Seely Brut NV Situated in the chalk-rich Wooldings vineyard in the North Hampshire Downs, Coates & Seely uses the traditional Champenois method to make high quality...

31st May 2016

in Promotions

by Elona Hesseling

Summer 2016 Promotions – 10% Off

Lazy summer evenings on the terrace beckon, and with it a call for something crisp, cool and refreshing for your glass. We’ve taken inspiration from around the world to bring you a selection of delicious and interesting wines to enjoy this summer. Enticing Chardonnay from the ‘enfant terrible’ of American winemaking Charles Smith Eve Chardonnay 2014 A self-taught winemaker, Charles Smith is a true artisan and pioneer. After spending a decade managing rock bands around Europe, Charles decided to indulge his passion for food and wine by heading...

25th May 2016

in News, Producer Stories

by Jessica Broadbent

Catena strikes gold

Catena Zapata’s Nicasia Vineyard Malbec 2011 received a gold medal and no fewer than three trophies at this year’s International Wine Challenge. The wine was awarded Best Argentinean Red, Best Argentinean Malbec and Best Mendoza Malbec. It also won a gold medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards. Owned by Nicolas Catena and his daughter Laura, Bodega Catena Zapata is well-known as a pioneer of Argentinean fine wine. When Nicolas started to plant Malbec at increasingly high altitudes in the 1980s, people were sceptical. But the results...