Welcome to Grape Passions!
Grape Passions is a family run, independent wine merchant based in Essex. We supply discerning restaurants, bars, hotels, function venues and clubs in and around East Anglia with an exciting range of quality wines and champagnes. We also provide a corporate gift service for businesses wanting to thank their clients and staff with a gift that will be enjoyed and remembered.
Each and every member of our team is passionate about the products we provide and how we provide them. We do more than source and supply fantastic wines – we live, breathe and occasionally drink them too!
We remain focused on discovering great quality wines at the right prices, from smaller growers and producers throughout the world. We love bringing new finds to the UK market and helping our customers stand out from the crowd by offering their consumers more adventurous wine selections. We appreciate that all our customers have different requirements, and our team is on hand to help you source the right wines for your establishment and clientèle.
Our services help you to select, market and serve your wine and champagne choices in the best possible way, whilst maximising the profit for your business.
As a trained chef and hotel operator, Mark has always been passionate about wine. Having worked for blue chip wine and champagne companies for many years, Mark decided to create Grape Passions in 2005. His ethos has always been that the world of wine is fun and exciting, and he is keen to share that with as many people as possible! Not one for flowery descriptions and fancy tasting sessions, Mark thinks wine should be enjoyable and approachable, and thrives on helping customers select the perfect wines for their business. Mark loves to spend time in his vegetable garden and still enjoys cooking when he has the chance, though now he is cooking for a young family rather than a restaurant full of customers!
Kay manages the office and accounts at Grape Passions with natural efficiency, but like Mark, shares a passion for the wine world. Before setting up the business with Mark, Kay worked as a Sales Manager in the veterinary pharmaceutical industry. Although the world of wine is very different, her professional experience fits perfectly into Grape Passions. Kay’s understanding of the importance of personal service, exceptional products and reliable logistics has been invaluable to the success of the business. When Kay isn’t in the office or taxiing the children around, she is likely to be walking the family dog, Otto – also a regular visitor at the Grape Passions office!
Jane coordinates all the shipping and logistics of the Grape Passions range, whilst also handling customer enquiries and orders. Jane has extensive experience in a variety of different office environments and is enjoying discovering the secrets of the world of wine! In her spare time, Jane can be found walking her dogs, travelling and enjoying time with her family.
Sharon has been a key part of the Grape Passions office team since 2013, processing customer orders and producing point of sale material. As a keen artist, her eye for design is something we rely on. Her naturally cheerful and positive attitude means that customers and colleagues alike find her a pleasure to work with.
With over 10 years experience in the hospitality trade, John joined Grape Passions in 2014. His enthusiasm and knowledge of the industry have made him a popular and trusted Account Manager with our customers. His background in the hospitality sector provides an understanding of our client’s needs and requirements. John appreciates exactly how important the right products and the right service can be.
Following his long career in the Metropolitan Police Force, Calum is now enjoying discovering new eateries throughout the region whilst delivering for Grape Passions. His dependable and cheerful manner make him popular with staff and customers alike. When not working, Calum enjoys spending time with his family - often in the vicinity of a rugby pitch!
If you come to see us at our offices in Witham you are likely to be greeted by Otto. Always ready to play or have his tummy tickled, Otto has been a part of the Grape Passions team since puppyhood!
Here at Grape Passions, we feel it is important that we do what we can to preserve the environment that produces our incredible wines and champagnes.
By the nature of the business there will always be a certain amount of packaging required to ensure goods are sent out to our customers in the best possible condition, however we endeavor to re-use boxes where possible, and recycle all our cardboard, plastics and glass. All invoices and statements are now sent out via email unless customers specifically request paper copies. All customers also have the facility to view their statements and purchase history online, further reducing the need to print information.
We operate a very efficient transport schedule, retaining control with our own drivers and vehicles from our warehousing and offices which are located in a newly built business park, with excellent access to the road networks. The high energy efficient warehouse is particularly well insulated and all our goods are stored in a thermostatically controlled area, keeping energy consumption as low as possible. In consideration of the environment we have also switched our Italian imports from road to rail, helping to significantly reduce C02 emissions.
