Merchant expands with wine-tasting venue
A WINE merchant in Harrogate has launched a dedicated winetasting event space above its shop.
Harrogate Wines, which has been based in the town’s Montpellier Quarter for 33 years, hopes to add an extra dimension to the business with the launch of the event space.
The 1,500 sq ft Montpellier Street venue, which has capacity for up to 40 people, will be open for the use of corporate and private-event customers. The business decided to launch the space following repeated enquiries for tasting events from regular customers.
Andy Langshaw, owner of Harrogate Wines, said: “As a wine retailer, we offer a huge choice and this facility adds an extra dimension to showcasing products as well as offering an experience, which is what wine enthusiasts are increasingly looking for.
“Customers often ask if they can taste a few wines before buying larger quantities.
“With a full wet bar, seating, catering facilities and toilets, for the first time we now have a venue that we can use, or that can be hired for private parties and conference and corporate events.”
The venue was launched last week with a gathering of local retailers to unveil the newest addition to the food and drink offering in the Montpellier Quarter.
“We are among many retailers investing in the Montpellier Quarter, which has become the destination for shoppers looking for independent businesses who offer something a little different to high-street chains,” Mr Langshaw said.
He added: “There are dozens of food and drink, jewellery, clothing and interiors retailers, as well as galleries, in the Montpellier Quarter, and a growing number of independent restaurants and bars. It’s vital that we continue to broaden the offer and keep people interested in this independent and less wellknown part of Harrogate.”
Harrogate Wines moved to the Montpellier Quarter two years ago. Prior to that the business had been based at the Corn Exchange Cellars for more than three decades.
“I think the strength of our business has always been the quality of our wine and the service within it,” Mr Langshaw said at the time of the move in 2016.
We offer a huge choice and this facility adds an extra dimension Andy Langshaw, owner of Harrogate Wines.