Gateshead urban winery lands distribution deal in ‘iconic’ Piccadilly department store

A North East urban winery has secured a distribution deal with a high-end department store in the centre of London.

Team Valley-based firm Laneberg Wine will see its 2019 Bacchus white being stocked by Fortnum & Mason at its flagship store in Piccadilly.

Founded by Elise Lane, Laneberg Wine is now stocked in a range of high-end North East retailers including Carruthers & Kent in Gosforth, Rehills of Jesmond, Market Hall Wines in Durham and The Corbridge Larder,

In addition, the brand has secured places on the wine lists of local restaurants including The French Quarter and Blackfriars in Newcastle.

Commenting on the new distribution deal, Laneberg Wine founder Elise Lane said: “The 2019 Bacchus has been extremely well received by both stockists and consumers and being listed by Fortnum & Mason is a real landmark for the development of the business.

“The grapes we secured for this year’s vintage were absolutely fantastic and we’re proud to be part of the continuing drive towards showing that English wines can compare favourably with those originating in more traditional locations.

“We’re learning all the time about both the production and commercial sides of the business and are continuing to work towards widening the range that we produce to ensure we’re appealing to lots of different types of customers.”

The news follows the firm securing a £35k investment last year from the North East Small Loan Fund Supported By The European Regional Development Fund, supported by regional fund management firm NEL Fund Managers.

The funds were used to secure the grapes for the new vintage from the Poulton Hill Vineyard in Gloucestershire, as well as recruit a wine-making apprentice to assist with the production of the new vintage.

Elise continued: “The investment we had from NEL has been vital in supporting the production process for the new Bacchus, as well as helping us to recruit our new apprentice who is learning very quickly about everything that goes into making award-winning wines.”

Mark Wharton, portfolio executive at NEL Fund Managers, added: “Elise and her team are really putting the North East on the winemaking map, which isn’t something anyone would have expected to see all that long ago.

“To see the new Bacchus keeping such esteemed company is extremely impressive.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →