Vivas brings wine to life
Graham Bulpett from the Priory Arms in South London and Tim Robinson from the Rose and Crown in Kent have set about creating their own events to attract new customers - creating new opportunities for wines
Is it hog or boar?
Tim and Vanessa at the Rose and Crown in Faversham host an annual hog roast over the August bank holiday weekend and this year he will be promoting the Furious Boar range from ViVAS in the lead-up to the event. "This is our third annual roast and I thought it would be an interesting and fun extension on the theme," Tim says.
New venue extension, new winelist …
Graham has been working very closely with Julie Fontaine, customer development manager for ViVAS - a joint venture between leading foodservice wholesaler 3663 First for Foodservice and Bibendum Wine Ltd - and is delighted with the relationship, value and advice that he has gained from the Sell More Save More campaign.
He recently hosted a wine tasting with Julie's help to introduce customers to the newly revamped winelist.
"We tasted the entire winelist and used the event to launch our new balcony area that I've added to the pub," says Graham.
"The Austrian Signing Grüner wine was the star of the evening and some of the other blends like the Pinot Noir/Zinfandel was very well received. Julie guided guests through the list of 24 wines and created a sociable environment, encouraging them to be honest and open with their views on the range.
"She also set time aside to explain the winelist to our staff, giving them some handy background information on origins and how that will impact the flavour of wines as part of a quick education. She also demonstrated to them how a basic wine knowledge could help them when they faced an indecisive customer.
"Julie feels like a member of our team rather than a supplier and her knowledge and enthusiasm created a feel good factor on the night that you can't buy. I'm pleased with the final winelist and I think what I've learnt from the experience is to keep an open mind and accept guidance.
"Advertising is also very important to the success of the event. We promoted it extensively in the pub and in the local newspaper."
Graham is currently working on plans for a German beer festival in October.
Make the most of events
Sporting features like cricket internationals, football matches, rugby tournaments, golfing events like the Ryder Cup, etc. can be used to your advantage.
Other events include:
SEPTEMBER
6 - 21 National Organic Fortnight
5 - 21 Seafood Fortnight
20 Sep - 5 Oct British Food Fortnight
27 Sept - 5 Oct British Cheese Week
OCTOBER
31 Halloween
NOVEMBER
3 - 9 British Sausage Week
5 Bonfire Night
23 - 29 National Curry Week
Winter wine recommendations
Tatachilla Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz
Country; Australia
Region; McLaren Vale
Cost; £5.89
Style; Tatchilla is aboriginal for "red earth place" and its these unique soils that have been responsible for the consistently high standards that this winery produces, This wine is packed full of dark brooding brambly fruit flavours from the heartland of Cabernet Country, the McLaren Vale. Its velvety rich consistency wraps you in a warm comforting blanket providing the perfect antidote to those long winter evening
Furious Boar Old Vine Zinfandel
Country; USA
Region; California
Cost; £5.49
Style; The Furious Boar wines are named after one of California's less glamorous inhabitants but those hills and vineyards are positively teeming with the hairy little creatures who forage through the vines snacking on a grape or two. This Old Vine Zinfandel is produced from vines which are at least 40 years old and provide intense blackcurrant and black cherry complemented by a touch of vanilla and pepper.
Argento Malbec
Country; Chile
Region; Mendoza
Cost; £4.83
Style; From the foothills of the Andes this Malbec has rich blackberry, chocolate and Christmas pudding spices with a long luxurious finish. Just the thing to relax and unwind with a good chunk of steak in those winter months
