Create Your Own Bordeaux Wine

Berry Bros. & Rudd, one of Great Britain's original Wine and Spirits merchants, has seen plenty of innovation in its 316-year history. Now, the company has elected to offer clients a chance to make their own Bordeaux wines.

Berry Bros. & Rudd has become the exclusive UK, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan agents for VINIV, a Bordeaux-based company that allows wine enthusiasts to produce their own wine, one barrel and one vintage at a time.

With their long-standing pedigree in the Bordeaux market, Berry Bros. & Rudd recognises that VINIV has unmatched access to winemaking expertise and a portfolio of prestigious old-vine vineyards on Bordeaux’s left and right banks - from Margaux, Pauillac, Saint-Émilion, Saint Estèphe, Canon Fronsac, Graves and others. With the opportunity to blend great fruit from renowned appellations on both banks, individuals can produce a truly unique Bordeaux wine – every year.

The winemaking team at Ch. Lynch-Bages, a Bordeaux Grand Cru Classé, oversees VINIV’s winery operations and provides education and technical support. Eric Boissenot, advisor to four of Bordeaux’s five 1855 first classified growths also lends his winemaking and blending skills.

“The chance to make your own fine wine is a remarkable way to develop your appreciation and understanding of one of life's greatest pleasures,” said Berry Bros. & Rudd’s Hong Kong Sales Director, Adam Bilbey.  “Whether you’re sharing a barrel with some friends, looking to promote your company by creating a unique gift, or satisfying a long-time dream, VINIV offers a truly unique experience. You can make a serious wine that will happily be placed on the tables of Hong Kong’s best restaurants and the dining tables of your relatives and friends.”

VINIV founder and CEO, Stephen Bolger, has already stirred interest after his visit to Hong Kong during a regional showcase with Berry Bros. & Rudd early this month and the initial launch sales figures have been impressive with customers demonstrating a thirst for this unique concept with 10 barrels/240 cases purchased within the first few days by Hong Kong/China wine lovers.

VINIV members produce Bordeaux wines to suit their palate. Minimum quantities start at one barrel or 288 finished bottles. Throughout the six to 24-month process, members participate in key winemaking decisions – from selecting vineyards and varietals to finalising their blend and creating a unique brand and label. Once in bottle, members’ wines will be shipped to the UK or Hong Kong with the option to store, in bond, in Berry Bros. & Rudd’s state-of-the-art warehouses.

Stephen Bolger said, “We believe that Bordeaux wine enthusiasts can live the dream of being a winemaker without leaving their day job or take the risk of investing in a winery. Our relationship with Berry Bros. & Rudd allows us to connect with individuals who want to take their passion for wine to a new level and bring the experience closer to our UK and Hong Kong-based members.”