Liberty Wines takes on Sogrape in the UK

UK importer and wholesaler Liberty Wines is to distribute Sogrape’s portfolio of wines in the UK, which includes Sandeman Ports and Spain’s Bodegas LAN.

David Gleave MW, managing director of Liberty Wines

Established in Portugal in 1942 with the launch of Mateus Rosé, Sogrape now has 18 wine estates and nine wineries under its ownership, with its wines sold in more than 120 markets worldwide.

“We are very excited to be associated with such a renowned name in the international wine trade. Liberty Wines is our partner of choice in the UK, which is one of our four priority markets and where some of our key brands are reaching double-digit increase in sales,” said Rolando Borges Martins, Sogrape board member.

“We have decided to make this move now, from a position of great strength, and are looking forward to seeing our quality wines gaining greater visibility and representation, notably in the premium on-trade”.

Liberty Wines was founded in 1997 by its managing director David Gleave MW as a start-up with just four staff. It now employs 130 people and has an annual turnover of £45 million.

Sogrape’s portfolio includes Sandeman Ports, Finca Flichman from Argentina, Chateau Los Boldos from Chile, Framingham from New Zealand, Casa Ferreirinha and Quinta de Azevedo from Portugal, and Bodegas LAN from Spain.

Liberty Wines will showcase Sogrape’s wines at its annual portfolio tasting at The Oval, London, on Tuesday 17 January.