On the back of our recent success in the Top 50 Independent Wine Merchants, we were featured in The Oxford Mail.

Here’s an excerpt:

Owner and chairman Ted Sandbach started the business in his garage back in 1992.

The wholesale business now spans the breadth of the country, with key accounts in Oxfordshire, the Cotswolds, London, Wales and Belize.

“I know it sounds like a joke, but we somehow supply the duty-free shop there,” said Mr Sandbach.

He is so passionate about supporting the local economy, he not only ensures that everything used by the business – office supplies, insurance, utilities and so on – is sourced through a local supplier or broker, he even has a company-wide Amazon ban.

Mr Sandbach was formerly a teacher in Oxford.

He said: “I spent several years teaching at Magdalen College School, but a combination of itchy feet and an interest in the wine business prompted me to set out on my own.

“The Oxford Wine Company had very humble beginnings in the garage of my house back in 1992, as I began selling wine to local businesses, delivering it all out of the back of my old Saab.

“Over the years there have been many ups and downs, and I find myself occasionally astonished by the scale to which it has now grown – a group of companies with a turnover in excess of £10million.”

And, he said, this award is good news for the Oxford High Street.

“It shows what we have keenly felt for the past 30 years – that there is a willingness amongst the Oxford consumer base to support independent businesses.

“We are fortunate to be located in a city in which there are plenty of discerning individuals who are happy to spend on quality products and service.”

Now he said he wants “to press on” and secure the company’s reputation as one of the top independent wine merchants in the country.

“The wine scene is challenging at the moment, with the cost of living crisis, changing consumption patterns and new import, export and duty requirements all to be navigated,” he said.

“However, I believe that the talented, hard-working team we have are up to the task and that we will continue to thrive – particularly with our new wine bar opening on Oxford High Street which will only add to our presence in the city.”

You can find the full article here