Sadie Wilkins from Sherborne’s award-winning indie wine merchant has some things to clear up regarding the new duty taxes
As we pop the cork on 2025, we want to take a moment to thank everyone who supported us through a wonderfully merry 2024. We couldn’t have done it without you, and we wish you all a very Happy New Year!
As January rolls in, let’s chat about what this month means for us in the wine trade – and for you as consumers. (Dry) January is always a tricky time for the drinks business, but this year brings fresh challenges with the UK government’s tax on duty changes. These changes have been looming, but now they’re here, and they’re going to have an impact on what you pay at the till.
The new rules mean wine will now be taxed in different bands depending on its alcohol by volume (ABV). The higher the ABV, the higher the tax. For you, that means you’ll see prices going up on bottles with a higher ABV. It’s important to note that this extra cost isn’t going to the winemaker or to us as retailers – it’s tax. We genuinely feel for wines like ports and sherries, which naturally have higher ABVs and will be penalised.
Sweet enough for you?
As alcohol and sugar often balance each other in winemaking, we could also see a rapid trend towards sweeter wines, as producers will inevitably look to avoid those new tax hikes. This won’t help mass-produced supermarket brands like Jam Shed, though, since they’re already sweetened to the max (there’s 57g per litre residual sugar in their Shiraz…).
But here’s where we can all make a difference. We’re lucky in the South West – and particularly right here in Sherborne – as the community has always been fantastic at supporting local, independent businesses. This is more important now than ever before. Small, local wine merchants like us have full control over our wine buying, which means we can adapt, flex our range and work closely with winemakers to bring you wines of true quality at an honest price. We source every bottle with care, from grape to glass – much like your local butcher or greengrocer does. We’re all championing quality over quantity.
So, while these tax changes may seem like a challenge, with your continued support, we’ll keep bringing you the best wines in 2025 – ones that are worth every penny.
A final toast
We’re delighted to be heading into 2025 as Harper’s Wine & Spirits ‘Best Indie Wine Retailer in the Southwest’ and Number 4 nationally (out of over 1,200-ish wine retailers). We love what we do, and we care about finding great wine for all people. If you’re already a fan, thank you.
If you’ve never visited, please make 2025 the year you discover your new favourite wine merchant! We’re based in Old Yarn Mills in Sherborne, a buzzy (and boozy…) little artisan quarter of Sherborne, we always have something open to try, and we pride ourselves on quality, price and service.
vineyardsofsherborne.co.uk
