Berry Bros. & Rudd opens in Washington, DC as US thirst for heritage grows

The royal wine merchant brings 326 years of prestige to America in its first bricks-and-mortar US venture. The Washington store marks a milestone in BBR’s global expansion, as British luxury finds fertile ground across the Atlantic.

Berry Bros. & Rudd, Britain’s oldest wine merchant and a name long intertwined with the Royal household, has announced plans to open its first-ever US store this autumn, a landmark moment in its storied 326-year history.

The new retail space will be located in Washington, DC, a city the company describes as rich in wine enthusiasts and collectors. Speaking to db, Emma Fox, CEO Berry Bros. & Rudd, confirmed: “We have been planning this expansion for some time, and look forward to opening in the autumn.”

The move, while bold, is not entirely surprising. Washington offers more than just a hub of political activity. As Fox notes, the city is “ well-placed in terms of regulation, location and customer base to offer our full suite of services including retail, cellar management, storage and events,” placing it in a prime position to support the company’s growing online customer base and logistics network in the US.

Deep roots, new soil

While this may be Berry Bros’ first physical presence on American soil, its relationship with the US is anything but new. “Our relationship with the US stretches back over 100 years,” Fox said, “initially driven by the success of Cutty Sark but more recently across both wines and spirits. We see great potential in the market, as well as our continued focus on the UK and Asia.”

From supplying George III’s cellar to navigating the complexities of modern e-commerce, BBR’s capacity to evolve has long been its strength. The Washington opening is not only a nod to historic ties but a clear-eyed move to secure future growth.

Trade, tariffs and timing

The backdrop to this expansion is as complex as it is timely. A renewed US-UK trade relationship has raised hopes for British exporters. Yet the fine wine industry continues to face significant headwinds.

Tariffs of up to 10% remain in place for many exporters, and Fox has acknowledged the challenges. “We are navigating the changing landscape and working with in-market experts. We believe the US represents a huge growth opportunity for us.”

At home, the company has felt the pinch of rising costs. National Insurance hikes and a raft of new packaging regulations have cast a pall over the domestic market. In response, BBR cut 30 of its 400 staff earlier this year, citing “extremely challenging global market conditions” and “significant cost pressures,” according to chief executive Emma Fox.

As one unnamed wine industry executive told The Telegraph, “The fine wine business is beginning to move out of the UK.”

From St. James’s to Capitol Hill

Founded in 1698 and still operating from its original shop at No.3 St James’s Street in London, Berry Bros. & Rudd has always embodied a blend of tradition and quiet innovation. Today, with offices in Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo, it is a resolutely international business.

Whether it’s a cache of Petrus or a bottle of own-label claret, the Berry Bros seal carries centuries of connoisseurship. Now, with its new Washington store, it looks set to become as much a part of Embassy Row as it is of Pall Mall.

Related news

Berry Bros. & Rudd launches new brand campaign

Analysis: Are Berry Bros. & Rudd's redundancies a sign of things to come?

Berry Bros. & Rudd enters redundancy consultation with staff