Cambridgeshire independent merchant the Smiling Grape Company has launched a new agency division with the aim of sourcing “fun and funky” wines.

The St Neots-based firm has its own retail outlet, but also runs a wholesale business and will now source wines on an exclusive basis from small independent wineries.

Owner Matt Ellis said: “We have traditionally been a retailer as well as a wholesaler but now we are branching out and the Smiling Grape Company will be sourcing exclusive wines from top-quality winemakers across the world.

“One of our first wines will be the Cappuccino Pinotage aka Cappuccinotage from Boland Cellar in Paarl, South Africa. This is perfect example of wine that fits perfectly within the Smiling Grape Company portfolio with its funky flavours of soft mocha, ground coffee and dark chocolate aromas.

“This is also a perfect “gateway brand” that will attract new, and especially younger, consumers to drink wine.”

The Smiling Grape Company is also planning to launch a range of fun “movie, music and sporting themed” wines later in the year.