Exclusive: The Wine Fusion acquires Roberson Wine
Bespoke wine innovator The Wine Fusion has brought specialist agency business Roberson Wine into the fold, with the aim of expanding the latter’s reach beyond its London stronghold.
Harpers has learned that Roberson, which has long been known as a specialist in high end California and artisanal French producers, will move with The Wine Fusion to a new London HQ in Bermondsey, with the full team and portfolio remaining on board.
The focus will be to develop Roberson’s reach beyond its traditional trading territory within the M25, while bringing it into the wider Lanchester Group – the independent County Durham-based business which counts import, product development and bottling among its varied facets.
Roberson, which was founded by well-known trade figure Cliff Roberson in 1991, will continue to be led by Guy Young, alongside The Wine Fusion founder and MD Andrew Porton.
Meanwhile, Cliff Roberson, who is 86, will be stepping back to focus on the Roberson-owned LDN Cru winery (the first London urban winery to open in 2013), along with his Foxhole Vineyard in Sussex, where a new LDN Cru winery is to be built.
Speaking of the sale, Roberson said: “I've heard it said that, at 86, I should perhaps think about stepping back and taking things a little easier. That moment has arrived – although I doubt anyone will keep me away when there is tasting or mischief involved!
“Guy understands the Roberson ethos completely, and Andrew shares my same passion, no-compromise approach and off-centre attitude. It is a great fit, and I am delighted to hand the business to them for its next chapter.”
Young added: “Roberson is a rare business: trusted by exceptional producers, loved by knowledgeable customers and powered by a team with real conviction. Our job is not to smooth away what makes it distinctive – it is to protect that identity, give the team more to go for, and build distribution carefully, listing by listing, across London and the regions.”
Meanwhile, Porton said of the acquisition: “Roberson brings an outstanding agency portfolio and enormous credibility; The Wine Fusion brings complementary customers, resources and greater reach. Business continues as usual from day one, but the opportunity in front of us is much bigger.”
The move to the new premises is slated for this December, with the new 4,000 sq ft site in the ‘Bermondsey Beer Mile’ railway arches operating as joint offices for The Wine Fusion and Roberson teams. Plans to develop a shop and events area, modelled on a ‘reinterpretation’ of Roberson’s Kensington High Street store, will then be implemented.
Roberson will continue to represent LND Cru wines in the on-trade, with winemaker Alex Hurley remaining in his well-established winemaking role.
(Pictured, L-R; Andrew Porton, Cliff Roberson, Guy Young)
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