Multi-million pound winemaker search

Online retailer Naked Wines has announced the launch of a multi-million pound investment fund for winemakers looking to start a business.

In its appeal to “commission experienced, proven winemakers, who are looking to go it alone to create stunning new wines for UK wine drinkers," the retailer – along with its 20,000 wine "angels" – has pledged £5m to the project.

Founder of Naked Wines, Roman Gormley, said: “We will cover production costs, pay a salary, guarantee an order, market the wines and pay a profit per bottle sold. In other words, provide all the tools an independent winemaker needs to create their own wine, under their own label, without the risks usually associated with being self-employed in the wine world."

Gormley also emphasised that his company is keen to hear from winemakers from all over the world and added: “All that remains is to raise awareness and get recruiting, but agents and large wineries need not apply."

The announcement came in the wake of the success of Naked Wines’ latest winemaking recruits, husband and wife team Felipe Garcia and Constanza Schwarder, who launched their first solo vintage in the UK with the support and investment of Naked Wine Angels.

Interested winemakers can find out more about the project at http://www.nakedwines.com/workwithus

Jane Parkinson, 01.03.2010