Sussex vineyards see positives in potential supermarket wine shortages this Christmas

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The potential shortage of imported wine has been seen as ‘a great opportunity’ for England.

The boss of international wine business Accolade, which makes Hardys and Echo Falls, recently said wine could struggle to make it to shelves in time for Christmas.

Robert Foye, on the BBC’s Talking Business programme, warned that shortages in the number of truck drivers ‘could definitely impact Christmas’, and that the fate of wine drinkers’ festive seasons lies in the hands of ‘the entire transport and trucking industry in the UK’.

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Gail Gardner, from Ashling Park – a vineyard near Funtington, Chichester – said: “The shortage of imported wine is disappointing for us wine lovers but what a great opportunity to try English wine.

The boss of international wine business Accolade, which makes Hardys and Echo Falls, recently said wine could struggle to make it to shelves in time for Christmas. Photo: Getty ImagesThe boss of international wine business Accolade, which makes Hardys and Echo Falls, recently said wine could struggle to make it to shelves in time for Christmas. Photo: Getty Images
The boss of international wine business Accolade, which makes Hardys and Echo Falls, recently said wine could struggle to make it to shelves in time for Christmas. Photo: Getty Images

“There are over 800 vineyards in the UK producing outstanding wine that have won many medals and trophies in all the international wine competitions. Most vineyards sell their wine at the cellar door or via their website, there will be plenty on their shelves.”

The distribution model at Rathfinny Wine Estate, in Alfriston, East Sussex, means it doesn’t sell wines into supermarkets.

Co-owner, Mark Driver, said: “Instead you’ll find us in premium hotels, restaurants, gastro-pubs, bars and independent wine merchants.

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“This year, we have expanded our distribution through the wine merchants who are full of knowledge, offer great advice and tend to stock a different range of wines that aren’t commonly found on supermarket shelves.

Gail Gardner, from Ashling Park – a vineyard near Funtington, Chichester – said supermarket shortages would be a 'great opportunity to try English wine'Gail Gardner, from Ashling Park – a vineyard near Funtington, Chichester – said supermarket shortages would be a 'great opportunity to try English wine'
Gail Gardner, from Ashling Park – a vineyard near Funtington, Chichester – said supermarket shortages would be a 'great opportunity to try English wine'

“Since the pandemic, we’ve seen consumers become more conscious of their shopping habits and supporting local businesses, so this is the year to shop and order direct from your local wine producer.

“We like to create a welcoming cellar door experience at Rathfinny, offering complimentary drop-in tastings and free delivery on case orders.

“This November we’ll be hosting a Cellar Door shopping day with complimentary glasses of sparkling and nibbles for shoppers.

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“They can sample the wines, stock up on cases and place orders ahead of the Christmas rush.”

The distribution model at Rathfinny Wine Estate, in Alfriston, East Sussex, means it doesn’t sell wines into supermarketsThe distribution model at Rathfinny Wine Estate, in Alfriston, East Sussex, means it doesn’t sell wines into supermarkets
The distribution model at Rathfinny Wine Estate, in Alfriston, East Sussex, means it doesn’t sell wines into supermarkets

Customers may have noticed that shelves in many supermarkets and shops have looked quite bare lately, as a result of a shortage of lorry drivers in the UK.

Shortages have been going on for some time but now the heads of a number of sectors have warned that a shortage of drivers could lead to major supply chain issues for the foreseeable future.

Some sectors have been experiencing difficulties for several months, but the issue seems to have become particularly acute in recent weeks, with a number of retailers announcing shortages of goods.

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Speaking to the BBC’s Talking Business programme, Mr Foye said: “We are trying to get ahead of it. The only way we can mitigate this is if we work very closely with our trucking and transport suppliers and our customers.

Rathfinny has created a 'welcoming cellar door experience', offering complimentary drop-in tastings and free delivery on case ordersRathfinny has created a 'welcoming cellar door experience', offering complimentary drop-in tastings and free delivery on case orders
Rathfinny has created a 'welcoming cellar door experience', offering complimentary drop-in tastings and free delivery on case orders

“We have done some of that and are managing well so far but ultimately costs will go up.”

Richard Esling, wine journalist and founder of the Arundel Wine Society, said he thinks it is ‘a bit of an exaggeration’ to suggest that wine will be off the shelves at Christmas.

“Driver problems and Brexit has caused unnecessary delays to things coming in,” he said.

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