Vintage port proves resilient in UK

Demand for vintage port has remained remarkably strong in the UK despite the weakening pound and economic downturn.

Symington Family Estates, owners of Graham’s, Dow’s and Warre’s, has predicted that its en primeur campaign will raise £3 million this year.

“Although our en primeur campaign ends in September, we are fully expecting to close the campaign with sales for Graham’s, Dow’s, Warre’s and our smaller brands from UK wine merchants that amount to about £3m valued at the final retail price,” Paul Symington, joint managing director, Symington Family Estates, told the drinks business.

“Considering the gloomy comments sometimes made about Port and the fact that the UK is in the middle of the worst recession for some 40 years, this is fantastic news and we are very pleased,” he continued.

“With the collapse of the pound and the recession impacting on the sales of all fine wines, we are having the toughest year for decades, but the success to date of our 2007 Vintage Ports in the UK and elsewhere is great news for us,” he added.

Symington suggests that vintage Port may be performing strongly because of its attractive price to quality ratio. “The Graham’s 2007 is currently available from Berry’s at £36.00 per bottle in bond, so £44.00 with duty and VAT.

"The Dow’s is £38 and Smith Woodhouse 2007 just £31. Frankly these are very modest prices when compared to some Burgundies, vintage Champagne, some mid-range Bordeaux wines or even some cult new world wines. This for wines that will age magnificently over at least 50 years.”

He also told the drinks business that “demand in other markets has also been stronger than expected”.

Patrick Schmitt, 03.09.2009