UK: Virgin Wines merges with Warehouse Wines

6 November 2009 | Source: just-drinks.com editorial team

Virgin Wines, the online wine retailer, has merged with Warehouse Wines in the UK.

The two companies, both of which are part of the Direct Wines Group, said earlier this week that they will combine operations in an attempt to become a "multi-channel marketing organisation".

The merger is set to create one of the largest growing independent retailers in the UK wine industry, operating under the Virgin Wines brand name.

Offices in both Preston and Norwich will be retained, as will all existing staff.

Warehouse Wines was founded in 2000 by Jay Wright, who also became managing director of Virgin Wines and Averys of Bristol in June last year.

These are two fantastic companies in their own right but combined will create an even bigger and better company, offering unrivalled wines at the very best prices, along with award winning customer service," said Wright.

Virgin Wines has been part of Direct Wines since 2005.