Ex-consultancy boss launches wine import business

Aug 27 2009 by Chris Knox, The Journal

THE former chairman of Newcastle-based business consultancy Wood Holmes has realised his dream of setting up a wine import business and is now looking to crack the corporate hospitality market.

After a management buy-out, Alan Holmes recently left the company he helped to found but said he was more than happy to be given the time to pursue his passion for wine.

As a self-confessed wine buff, Mr Holmes and his business partner have now launched Portovino, which allows connoisseurs throughout the UK to get their hands on some of the rarest wines available in Portugal.

The pair have also already worked with a series of blue-chip clients to host tasting sessions and are confident that networking and corporate hospitality events will help them create a successful business.

The wines range from £7 to £15 a bottle and include white, red, rosé and sparkling varieties.

As well as recently hosting an event at the regional offices of a high-street bank, the pair have also held tasting sessions at Newcastle-based art gallery the Biscuit Factory as well as the Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineering, also in Newcastle.

Mr Holmes said: “If you want to make a small fortune in the wine business, you should start with a large fortune. It’s a really tough business to compete in because of the supermarkets.

“Our idea was to go to a country where not many people buy wine. We see it as an opportunity because the wine Press are really starting to talk Portuguese wine up.

“In the last 10 to 15 years, they’re been making a lot of investment in their wine-making. The Portuguese government and EC put money in increase productivity.”