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DesignWine Delivers Premium Italian Wine to UK Doorsteps
The British have always been prolific consumers of southern European food and wine, and one entrepreneur hopes to capitalise on this enduring passion by providing premium Italian wines directly to the UK.
Based in Romagna on Italy’s Adriatic coast, DesignWine is an online wine delivery service that it is hoped will introduce locally produced wines to UK enthusiasts. The company claims that over 60 per cent of popular Italian wines are not readily available in Britain.
With help from an extensive team of partners and consultants – including a wine tasting committee, global shipping company and international wine journalists – DesignWine ensures an ever-changing collection of over 100 premium Italian wines and vineyards, with delivery to UK homes guaranteed within two days of order.
The service works by using innovative online searches as well as a ‘virtual’ sommelier to guide clients through the numerous wine regions and grape variations on offer.
One of DesignWIne’s most original concepts is its presentation of 6-bottle Wine Selections, each telling a story about a wine region, a grape varietal or a unique theme. The Selections are updated weekly and feature renowned wines from Tuscany and Piedmont, as well as lesser-known gems from around the country.
The President and brainchild of DesignWine is Chicago-born Timothy O’Connell, who has lived and worked in Italy for almost 20 years as Marketing Director for a number of Italian Design & Lifestyle brands.
“The UK is one of the principle markets for the importation of wines from around the world from all the leading producers, both Old World and New World,” Mr O’Connell told Superyachts.com.
“The average consumer is often open to trying new types of wine from new areas, but unfortunately, due to the UK distribution system, it isn't always easy to get access to good wines at good prices.
“Our goal is to continue to offer new wines from producers that might not be found on the High Street to help expand the British insight into premium Italian wine.”
Mr O’Connell says the ambition is for DesignWine to become the online market leader for premium Italian wines in Europe and beyond.
Following its move into the UK market, there are already plans for further expansion over the next couple of years in countries including Germany, China and the US.
"Our goal is to continue to offer new wines from producers that might not be found on the High Street to help expand the British insight into premium Italian wine"