Independent wine shop opens in Cheltenham

A new wine shop has emerged from the ashes of a former Wine Rack in Cheltenham. Located in the upmarket Tivoli quarter of the Cotswold town, Tivoli Wines has been set up by the recently married Kai and Caroline Horstmann.

The couple are promising a selection of wines from small producers, with particular emphasis on France, New Zealand and South Africa, where Kai Horstmann’s mother owns a vineyard.

When their local Wine Rack closed, the couple decided to act on the opportunity to make a career of their shared interest in wine.

It represents a significant shift for both, with Kai Horstmann a rugby player for Worcester Warriors, while Caroline Horstmann works part-time for the Cotswold-based food writer and designer Sophie Conran.

Since being taken over, the shop has undergone a £20,000 refurbishment to create a brighter, more airy interior. A tasting machine has also been installed to create a more engaging customer experience, while Tivoli Wines will host a Champagne tasting event at the end of July.

In an interview with The Gloucestershire Echo, Caroline Horstmann explained: “Wine shopping should be an enjoyable experience. We want to help people to get that when they come here, while also being challenged to try something new.”

Gabriel Savage, 19.07.2010