Portland Wine Cellars sponsored feature by Stand Up For Southport
The last remaining wine and spirits merchant in Southport is delighted to welcome new owners, as an exciting new vintage begins.
Portland Wine Cellars is now under the ownership of Phil Barber who is determined to keep the very best of this historic business as well as introducing some positive changes that customers will love.
The venture has been owned by Southport’s foremost wine and spirits expert, Dave Smith, for the past 40 years.
Dave is remaining on site as a consultant, supporting Phil with growing the business.
He is not about to make his grape escape just yet.
Phil has over 10 years of working at the premises and already has a fantastic relationship with customers.
The most exciting change being introduced by Phil is the launch of the new website where people can place orders by 3pm to enjoy same day delivery: portlandwines.com
The site covers the PR8 and PR9 areas of Southport, with free delivery for orders of £40 and over.
Portland Wine Cellars has also been busy taking bookings for its popular Christmas Wine Tastings, perfect for a Christmas night out.
Portland Wine Cellars has been a prominent wine and spirits merchant for over 100 years, located at the corner of Portland Street and Sefton Street in Southport, with free parking outside.
The shop has evolved over the years, expanding its offerings while maintaining a commitment to quality.
They pride themselves on sourcing wines from smaller, dedicated producers, ensuring a unique selection for their customers.
The shop is known for its fair prices and extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff, making it a go-to destination for enthusiasts of wines, spirits and local beers.
Dave said: “My wife Chris and I took over Portland Wine Cellars in 1985. After completing 40 years here it’s time to hand over the reins to Phil, who knows the business and the customers so well already. I’m 77 years old now – I’ll be 78 in November!
“I love this place and the customers and suppliers who have become friends over so many years.
“I am enjoying working with Phil to support him in any way he needs.
“I’m then looking forward to settling into retirement. I’ll be doing lots of walking, including with my pet Doberman, Bailey; working on my model trains; visiting friends in France.
“There have been so many changes over the years. Portland Wine Cellars has been here since 1908.
“Ths shop has had a license since 1913 which is when licenses first came in. It was among the first batch in the UK to get one.
“There used to be lots of licensed premises around here, and very little in the way of supermarkets.
“We’re the last independent left in Southport, the supermarkets now dominate.
“But we have evolved over the years to ensure that we offer something unique and very different.
“We ensure that we offer wines and spirits that you won’t be able to find in supermarkets.
“We have between 500 and 600 types of wines and 100 different spirits, with sherries, ports, vermouths, cognacs and more.
“We sell proper cigars here too, although we don’t sell cigarettes or vapes.
“We’re very proud of our knowledge and the great relationship we have with our customers. We really enjoy customers coming in to have a chat with us. Call in and ask us questions.
“What types of wines do you like? From which countries? What are you looking to spend? We can really help.
“With supermarkets, you’ll find that they only put offers on the wines that they want to sell. It’s their choice not yours. Whereas with us, we offer a 10% discount when you buy any six bottles of wine, so the choice is yours.”
Phil said: “I started at Portland Wine Cellars in 2015 as an apprentice and have been working here full time since 2016.
“I’ve loved working alongside Dave, I’ve learned a lot from him.
“I’m delighted to be taking over the business now. It’s great to be your own boss!
“I’m very proud to be running the last independent wine and spirit merchants in Southport.
“We’re here because we’ve continued to evolve and offer something unique, something different – and what local people want.
“Recently our customers have been asking if we can offer a local delivery service.
“I’m pleased to be able to launch our brand new Portland Wine Cellars website where you can browse from the comfort of your own home, while we promise deliveries in the PR8 and PR9 areas of Southport the same day for any orders placed before 3pm.
“Dave and I will be in the shop, where we look forward to welcoming customers old and new.”
● Portland Wine Cellars is at 118 Portland St, Southport PR8 6QZ
● Visit: portlandwines.com
● Follow Portland Wine Cellars on Facebook, Instagram and X
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