Plans afoot at Wheeler Cellars.

March, 2009

It was recently announced that Majestic PLC, the warehouse style off trade wine chain with 147 stores, had purchased fine wine merchant Lay and Wheeler, owned by the Wheeler family since 1854, for £6 million. The acquisition by Majestic is so the retailer can move into Lay and Wheeler’s world of fine wine service, including portfolio management, cellarage and broking. 

This follows the merger of the trade and agency arm of the family companies (once part of Lay and Wheeler) with Enotria in July last year. 

Richard and his son Johnny Wheeler have insisted that this has been an orderly process that commenced some two years ago and that Johnny will remain with Lay and Wheeler in the role of President. 

In the meantime Richard Wheeler and his family plan to revamp their wine showroom, home delivery and on-line business, Wheeler Cellars, Colchester’s oldest wine merchants. 

Richard Wheeler, whose family have owned the award-winning wine merchants for over 150 years and which was recently described as being a “part of Colchester’s social fabric” by Jancis Robinson, is now planning a new name for Wheeler Cellars. 

“Although our Lay & Wheeler fine wine operation in Suffolk is in a new partnership, we are proud to maintain our links with Colchester through Wheeler Cellars, which remains entirely in the private ownership of the Wheeler family. 

“Everyone here is passionate about wine. We have generations of wine expertise behind us and exciting plans for the future, with our focus on the local scene.” said Richard who remains company chairman and is a former Colchester Mayor. 

Managing Director Alex Scarfe added: “Wheeler Cellars is the perfect place for this mix of tradition and innovation. Knowledgeable and friendly staff are on hand to help customers choose something special and there are also really good wines to suit every budget and taste.” 

Wheeler Cellars will continue to develop its programme of tastings, gourmet dinners, local producer markets and talks by wine producers flown in specially to meet the customers of Wheeler Cellars at Gosbecks Park, Colchester. 

For more information about Wheeler Cellars at Gosbecks Park, Colchester go to http://www.wheelercellars.co.uk or telephone 01206 713560