Ireland awaits first fine wine storage facility

A facility claiming to be the first in Ireland specifically designed for premium wine storage is under construction. Conceived by Northern Irish wine importer Julie Lapsley, The Wine Byre is currently being converted from a disused RAF shack.

The renovated building will fit all the specifications required for the storage of fine wine, from humidity and temperature control to ensuring there is no damage to the stock from either vibrations or light. Lapsley also assures potential investors and future clients of provision for high security and a comprehensive insurance policy.

The Wine Byre will also offer a “comfortable and hospitable tasting space” for customers of Lapsley’s fledgling retail business, Udders and Grapes. The outlet’s portfolio is initially focused on Hungary, the Douro and Mendoza, all of which are sourced directly from growers. However, Lapsley also plans to offer  investment-level wines, with the ability to offer customers the right conditions to store these.

Lapsley plans to build her storage business from a small scale, working with a capacity of 5,000 cases. However, she noted: “There is plenty of land opportunity to expand.”

Having applied for a rural development grant to fund the building restoration, Lapsley is currently seeking investors to support the scheme. She claimed: “There are 15 cellarages of this kind operating on the mainland but none so far in Ireland.”

Highlighting The Wine Byre’s particular focus on Ireland’s fine wine investment market, Lapsley explained: "There is an expressed interest for finer wines and more sophisticated services in the independent retail and hospitality sectors in Ireland.

"With this project, I propose to incorporate a unique concept for wine investment, that is, business acumen and wine romance.”

For more information, contact julie@uddersandgrapes.co.uk

Gabriel Savage, 25.11.2010