Riesling sales up 70% after Riesling Week

The Oxford Wine Company has reported a 70% increase in sales of German Riesling after its successful Riesling Week campaign last week.

Showcasing the German whites through a permanent Riesling tasting bar at the independent retailer sent sales of the wine soaring.

“Getting a potential Riesling nut’s nose into a glass of chilled paradise always works. Good quality wines show through on tasting,” said general manager John Chapman.

“To flag up a sector that really should sell more is always fun. If we can convert just one Pinot Grigio drinker to the subtlety and complexity of Riesling then job done,” Chapman added.

Starting out in the US in 2005, last week’s inaugural Riesling Week in the UK saw seven top restaurants, including Lutyens in Fleet Street, The Ledbury in Notting Hill and Hotel du Vin in Winchster – as well as 15 independent wine merchants such as Avery’s, Corks Out and Tanners – take part in the promotion.

The best performing restaurant and retailer will be awarded £1,000 to put towards new German wine listings.

Wines of Germany has vowed to make Riesling Week, which aims to highlight the quality, versatility and food matching capabilities of German Riesling, even bigger next year, possibly turning the celebration of the German grape into an entire month.

“We’re delighted with the support we’ve received from independent merchants and restaurants for our first Riesling Week. It’s been a great success, with some impressive sales uplifts reported,” said Nicky Forrest, head of Wines of Germany UK.

“It shows that demand for German Riesling is there and growing as customers are exposed to the different styles available. We hope to see more retailers realising the potential of these world class wines and start to offer a wider selection,” Forest added.

Wines of Germany has already been contacted by several independent merchants, including Underwood Wines in Warwick and Nathan’s Wine Shop in Battersea, and restaurants such as Ransomes Dock in London, keen to take part in next year’s event.