Small Beer branches into wine

Cask ale wholesaler Small Beer is expanding its product range by branching into wine.

The company, celebrating its 30th year, has launched a new wine division, Trent Ans Vintners.

Trent Ans stocks more than 200 wines and can deliver direct to the cellar door of pubs, restaurants and hotels. Small Beer will use its delivery network to grow its wine business.

"By offering all our customers great value wines that are exclusive to our vintners, we really can help people put together a fantastic wine list to suit everyone's needs," said managing director of the new company, Tony Eastwood.

Many of the wines can't be found on supermarket shelves, explained wine consultant Chris Cottam.

"Through our buying group, the Society of Vintners, we source wines from the smallest chateaux in France to big wines with big names from the New World," said Cottam.

"We have something for every palate, and we can help match wines to food menus, or even suggest some wines that are best enjoyed sat alone in the English sunshine with a good book."