English fizz Exton Park signs distribution deal with Friarwood

English sparkling wine producer Exton Park, based in Hampshire, has appointed independent wine merchant Friarwood Fine Wines as its London-based distributor.

This agreement covers London, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Bath in NE Somerset, along with Friarwood’s retail shops in Fulham and soon-to-open Wimbledon.

“We have been looking for the right distributor in London for some time, but when we met the dynamic team at Friarwood, we knew we had found the right home for our wines,” said Exton Park’s sales and marketing manager, Kit Ellen.

“They totally understand the Exton Park philosophy and positioning. Already there is synergy with a number of London restaurants, and we look forward to a long and profitable partnership as we build the brand and gain new listings together.”

This appointment completes a successful six months of developing a network of regional wholesale distributors for Exton Park in the UK, with recent agreements also signed with Cambridge Wine Merchants in East Anglia, Amps Fine Wines in Northamptonshire, Stainton Wines in Cumbria, Corks Out in Cheshire, the Oxford Wine Company in Oxfordshire, Butlers Wine Cellar in Sussex, and Stone, Vine & Sun in Hampshire.

Exton’s latest agreement was in Scotland, and saw the English sparkling wine estate partner with wholesaler Inverarity Morton.

“These partnerships around the UK offer us some very exciting opportunities at both regional and national levels”, adds Ellen. “It also highlights that there is a clear demand for English Wines, and an awareness from consumers of the kind of quality and stylistic variation that can be achieved in this exciting category. We are planning a great year of trading, with a continued focus on the prestige on-trade and premium, independent off-trade.”

Exton Park’s full range will be taken by Friarwood, which includes its three core Non-Vintage cuvées – Brut Reserve, Blanc de Noirs, and Rosé – as well as its two special cuvees.