Averys wine merchant unearths Hitchcock letter

A letter written by Alfred Hitchcock in 1962, complaining about the difficulties of importing wine into the US, has been found at Averys wine shop in Bristol.

Hitchcock, the master of suspense, is known for films including The Birds, Psycho and Rear Window

As reported by the BBC, the letter was found by Mimi Avery while searching through her late father’s files at Averys wine merchants.

In it, the film director complained of “how impossible it was to import wines privately into California”, referencing the still problematic three-tier model in the US drinks trade.

The letter had been sent to Mimi’s grandfather Ronald Avery, who was a driving force behind the merchant’s growth throughout the 1920s.

The letter read: “It has been impossible to import wines privately into California. One has to go through an established wholesaler and retailer. Naturally, the first question they ask is, “why don’t you buy your wines through us?

“However, I have noted the name of the man in San Francisco and it is quite possible that he may be able to handle some importations. I will contact him and communicate with you.

“Kindest Regards. Your Sincerely, Alfred Hitchcock.”

Hitchcock was born in east London in 1899, but moved to Hollywood at the beginning of World War Two. There, he carved out a career as one of the most influential film directors of all time, becoming known as the master of suspense and famous for making cinematic masterpieces including Psycho, The Birds and Rear Window.

Mimi has said the family would now “keep the letter and frame it”.