Wine importer's new shop launches with town scheme

A WINE importer who has been hosting wine tasting events for the last two years has set up shop in Bideford.

- by ABIGAIL NEEP

Devonshire Cork and Vine is now located on Butchers Row and opened last month. It will showcase a variety of wines, beers and ciders, both local and imported from Europe.

Executive director Chris Sheppard, has travelled the continent on the hunt for the best wines out there.

He said: "When I started the business it was me by myself really, we've become an importer and it was hard getting into that. Our main selection has all been the legwork of me travelling Europe and meeting wine makers to get a portfolio together.

"With my Spanish supplier, we have such a good relationship from travelling and meeting. He used to import to the UK before Brexit and because of Brexit, it was taken away from him because of costs.

"His wines are amazing, he has some really great awards and now I'm his only importer and supplier of his wines in the UK. For him, it’s giving him that opportunity where he can sell his wines again within the UK. I'm really thankful that me and him have built this opportunity.