Alistair Viner to leave Harrods

Alistair Viner, Harrods’ wine and spirits buyer, is to leave the store after 16 years of service. It is believed that Viner has left to set up a new retail concept.

A spokesperson from Harrods said: “I can confirm that Alistair Viner is leaving Harrods. Once we have any further news to announce from a Harrods perspective, we will be able to comment further.”

Viner was unavailable for comment.

Viner joined the wine trade in 1988 with Geoffrey Roberts, running the Winery and Les Amis du Vin shops.

He moved to work in the tea and coffee department of Harrods in 1995, taking over as manager of the wine department in 1996.

From there he progressed in the role of assistant buyer and was appointed wine and spirits buyer in September 2000.

Last November, Harrods unveiled its new wine and spirits department – a 7,000sq ft space offering more than 3,000 wines, spirits and beers.

The space, which hosts regular wine tastings, features a tasting room, tasting bar, a glass walled, temperature-controlled Wine Vault for its top wines, an Enomatic machine and a Nez du Vin "aroma zone" where customers can test their sense of smell.

“We have created the ultimate destination for customers of all tastes and levels to experience the world of wine and spirits,” Viner said at the time of the launch.

“With the new Wine Shop, our aim is to share our real passion for wine, to demystify, educate and make great wines accessible to all. We want to known for the best wines from the best regions at the best prices,” Viner added.

Lucy Shaw, 06.06.2011