Adnams has claimed its highest position yet in Harpers Wine and Spirit Magazine’s annual review of independent wine merchants. The team has made the Top 20 in previous years, but this year they climbed to 11th place and are now sitting just outside the Top 10 – which is a fantastic recognition.
Whether traditional or modern, solely bricks-and-mortar retail or hybrid operations, small or multiple-sited, all businesses are considered equally by the judges on their individual merit, making a placement in the 50 Best is an achievement to be coveted and celebrated.
Lydia Harrowven, Head of Wine for Adnams, was delighted with the news: “It’s fantastic to see we are edging our way up the rankings within the renowned Harpers awards. This really is in recognition of the team’s hard work and dedication to providing our customers with excellent quality, value, and an enhanced experience. Even through tougher trading conditions we have remained true to our philosophy of sustainable choices for the range and our customers.”
The wine team’s focus is on quality, ethically sourced, sustainable, unique and interesting producers with stories to tell through their wines. We care about what’s in the bottle and our wines take our customers on a journey from grape to glass. Our stores give us the opportunity to personally share those stories, and they are also a fantastic place for customers to discover and explore our beers and spirits too.
Adnams was founded in 1872, and two years later, we branched out into wine. We have therefore been an indie wine merchant for 150 years. We opened our first wine and kitchenware store in Southwold in 1987, in the old brewery bottling store and the company’s expansion across East Anglia began with the opening of The Grapevine in Norwich in 1989. We now have 13 stores across the east.
We have a long history as a wine merchant, but we continue to evolve. We have been increasing and diversifying our range, finding new ways to excite and delight our customers. Each of our stores offers a unique experience; with curated ranges in each store – meaning there is also independence within our collection of stores! Our ever-evolving range truly offers something for everyone.
Ian Dallow, Head of Retail, added: “It is highly rewarding for our teams that Adnams’ commitment to range development, staff education, and constantly enhancing the customer experience, has been recognised with improvement in the regarded Harpers Indie placings. We’re thrilled to see this reflected in our new position.
“This year, our customers have placed selection quality and thoughtful gifting at the forefront of their buying decisions, and we have met those expectations with a meaningful and considered range. When that is paired with recommendations from our passionate team members, we’re well set for another strong year ahead.”
The breadth of our range means that we have also been able to support a growing network of trade customers. As well as delivering to retail and web customers locally, our store teams also handle Adnams’ smaller trade customers directly from each store, adding to the community feel of our business.
Congratulations to all involved!
To shop our wine range please click here: Adnams Wine Store