(L-R) Rupert and Joseph Berkmann
Our Roots:
Born in the on-trade
WE ARE PROUD TO BE THE LARGEST FAMILY-OWNED AND FAMILY-RUN WINE IMPORTER IN THE UK. WE’VE BEEN SELLING WINE TO RESTAURANTS SINCE 1964 AND OUR EXPERTISE HAS GROWN ALONG WITH OUR PORTFOLIO. Today, the company is headed up by second-generation family member Rupert Berkmann. THE WINERIES WE REPRESENT ARE JUST LIKE US – PROGRESSIVE AND FIERCELY INDEPENDENT.
Our aspiration is to be more than just another wine supplier. We act as a valued partner, bringing our customers not only delicious wines, but also unrivalled service and know-how which enhance the success of their business.
We give support, advice and bespoke training to help restaurants, hotels and bars provide an unbeatable wine experience for their customers. By combining national buying power with local knowledge, we deliver competitive prices and unrivalled service across every region of the UK.
From our origins in the restaurant business, our unique scale and reach extends across all trade channels, bringing Berkmann service and on-trade flair into the retail environment.
With both the customers we supply and the producers we represent, our aim is the same: to foster proactive, long-term partnerships and create sustainable mutual success.
What We Do
Our Portfolio
We offer an award-winning portfolio of over 1,400 wines featuring the international A-list such as Georges Duboeuf and Marchesi Antinori alongside small producers and emerging regions. So, whatever the nature of the customer, we have the wines to fit.
Our Strategy
As agents, we currently represent wineries from 20 countries, and have an exceptional track record in strategic brand management and channel segmentation. We offer producers a full range of routes to market, which are actively managed to avoid conflict, allowing our wines to reach their full potential in the UK trade.
Our Marketing
Our customers are at the centre of everything we do; theatre and entertainment help evangelise wine to the consumer (as well as increasing wine sales). So, whether it’s large-scale tastings, intimate winemaker dinners, focus tastings, themed wine nights or even picking grapes at harvest – we offer it all!
Our Local Touch
As distributors, we favour a bespoke approach which complements our award-winning portfolio. Operating our own delivery network out of regional warehouses gives our service a unique advantage.
OUR SALES TEAM
Our international sales team is comprised of experts from the restaurant scene who understand your business needs and are passionate about wine. To them, wine is more than just a product, it’s a lifestyle.
OUR TRAINING
In addition to the WSET courses, we offer our own education programme, Veraison, which has been tailored specifically to the on-trade.