Wine PR in London

It can be quite a challenge deciding which option is best when it comes to trying to enter the UK wine market. Known for it's huge volume of wine importation, the UK remains one of the most important export markets for wineries globally.

London is where most of the action takes place seeing countless trade shows, masterclasses, dinners, parties and more relevant to showcasing wines to both trade and consumers. The capital is awash of restaurants, bars and hotel hosting some of the world's most famous. It is a milestone for any winery to be sold in the UK and to know that wines are being served at well known HoReCa locations as well as being an additional, relied upon revenue stream.

London is home to many of the top wine critics to include Jancis Robinson and Oz Clarke - Do not be surprised if one moment you are tasting alone and the next you are sharing your thoughts with Hugh Johnson!

Wine PR in London is the starting point for many who are looking to build profile, reputation and sales. The scene is a busy one for wine professionals, a single day in London can see multiple trade tastings taking place, masterclasses run and evening time offering a choice of launch parties / dinners to say yes to.

What to consider when choosing a Wine PR / Marketing / Communications / Consultancy Agency? Below are some key thoughts to consider:

• Your Budget: There are a selection of agencies to chose from to help you reach the UK market. This can vary from one person set-ups to major international PR agencies. In-between there are a select few long term professional players in the Wine PR scene of London including us here at Clerissa who offer a wide selection of packages to cater for all budgets and project sizes. Costings will vary with an average monthly fee of approximately £2,000 - £5,000 and usually with a set 12 month contract.

• Your Requirements: Though a Wine PR agency will guide you, it will be beneficial to enter your initial conversation with an understanding of what you, the winery, wishes to achieve by entering the UK market. Is it to spread risk by entering new markets? Are you looking to build your brand profile?

• Your Timescale: Are you in a rush? Patience will likely be key unless you are putting an endless budget to your project. A slower and more detailed, relationship building plan will likely be more successful and longer lasting over a fleeting hitting the scene today and gone tomorrow scenario

• Market Research: You know you will be joining an already over crowded wine scene in the UK, but have you researched if wines from your region are already selling, are they successful, what prices are their wines and do you believe you can compete? Price is probably the most important factor when looking to sell in to the UK, it can come down to cents / pennies deciding if the buyer will say yes or no. It is said that 97.5% of wine sold in the UK at retail level is under £10!

Wine PR in London will usually involve a spread of activities all of which aim to build profile, reputation and sales. Most times this will involve tastings, masterclasses, lunches / dinners, press tours, online marketing to include social media, SEO and looking to get wine critics to mention / reference the winery in respected online and print publications (TV and radio also if possible).