Wine Merchants differ from conventional off-licences and other alcohol retailers by having a higher level of specialist knowledge about wine and by offering additional services such as gift cases of wine, glass hire, cellaring and wine-tasting tutorials. Some also specialise in the supply of spirits and Cuban cigars.

Customer groups include commercial buyers such as restaurants, hotels, gastro pubs, wedding planners and corporate organisations, as well as individual consumers, some of whom may be purchasing wine as an investment or collecting it as a hobby.

Wine merchants typically trade from small warehouse premises or retail outlets, by mail order and online, and employ staff with specialist knowledge. Some merchants import wine directly from small ’boutique’ wineries abroad or source it from specialist importers. Many store imported wine in their own ‘bonded’ warehouse before it is sold.

It is a legal requirement for all wine merchants in the UK to hold the relevant licences before they start trading. Licensing requirements differ depending on whether the business premises are located in England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Throughout the UK, wine merchants who supply alcohol to trade purchasers must be approved by HM Revenue & Customs under the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme, and any UK-based suppliers that wine merchants buy from must also be registered under the scheme.

This profile provides information about starting up and trading as an independent wine merchant. It describes the skills required, the training available, the current market trends and the key trading issues. It also explains the legislation that must be complied with and provides sources of further information and support.