JN Wine named Northern Ireland’s best wine retailer for 30th time

The Crossgar-based firm was named the Best Regional Retailer Northern Ireland and Single Site Retailer of the Year, as well as received an award for the small leading independent merchant, at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) Awards. 

James Nicholson, who founded the business almost 50 years ago, said that he now has his sights set on expansion following the accolades. 

He told the media: “It is a tremendous honour to come out on top yet again at the IWC Awards, having first been named best Northern Ireland retailer as far back as 1991.  

“Winning the national award against competition from every corner of the UK, and the regional award for the 30th time is a testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of our staff over many years.  

“Thanks to them, our customers know of our commitment to providing the very highest class of service as well as the finest quality in world wines.” 

Plans for further expansion 

JN Wine, which was founded in 1977, specialises in quality wines sourced from family and artisan wineries around the world, and remains committed to a long-standing focus on sourcing sustainable and organically certified wines.  

As well as supplying restaurants and hotels across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the UK, JN Wine also provides a home delivery service for wine lovers through its website. 

The company has an outlet in London, known as Highbury Vintners, and supplies leading wine shops, bars and restaurants across the island of Ireland, but plans are already well advanced to extend its footprint further. 

Mr Nicholson added: “Firmly established in Northern Ireland and London, the time is now right to expand further outside of the UK with growth plans now under way in the Republic of Ireland and Portugal in the next 12 months.” 

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