What Berkmann Wine Cellars does

Berkmann Wine Cellars Ltd is a UK-based, family-owned wine importer founded in 1964, currently led by second-generation CEO Rupert Berkmann. The company operates three trading divisions: On-Trade (supplying restaurants, hotels, bars, and members' clubs via field-based account managers), Off-Trade (supplying supermarkets and regional wholesalers), and Spirit Cartel (a spirits sub-brand primarily distributed through regional wholesalers). It manages a portfolio of over 1,400 wines sourced from producers in 20 countries, including exclusive UK distribution rights for A-list names such as Marchesi Antinori, Ridge Vineyards, Tempos Vega Sicilia, Tenuta San Leonardo, Chateau d'Esclans, and Domaine Drouhin Oregon. The portfolio is curated by two resident Masters of Wine, Alex Hunt (Purchasing Director) and Emma Dawson (Senior Wine Buyer, previously at Marks & Spencer).

The company runs its own delivery network from five UK locations — London headquarters (70 Rosebery Avenue), York regional office, Barking, West Thurrock (via 3PL partner London City Bond), and Melksham — and uses a regional agent, l'Art du Vin, in Scotland. Go-to-market is relationship-led enterprise field sales supported by winemaker dinners, portfolio tastings, and a dedicated training arm. The Veraison programme offers WSET Level 2 and Level 3 courses alongside bespoke on-site hospitality training, with a 2024-launched e-learning platform and mobile app developed with a behavioural scientist to extend the training offering digitally.

Berkmann monetises exclusively through transactional wholesale margins across its three divisions; pricing is not publicly disclosed and is handled through account managers. Revenue, ARR, and margins are not publicly reported as the entity is a private limited company (Company No. 2190816) under Berkmann Family Holdings. Headcount is stated as 200+ in the Modern Slavery Act statement (firmographics lists 51-100, but the company's own regulatory disclosure of 200+ is the more authoritative figure). The company has no external institutional investment, has made one disclosed acquisition (Vinoceros Wines, May 2008), and continues to expand through new producer mandates rather than M&A.

Name

Berkmann Wine Cellars

Legal name

Berkmann Wine Cellars Ltd

Website

https://berkmann.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1964

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Berkmann Wine Cellars is the UK's largest family-owned wine importer, founded 1964, distributing a 1,400-wine portfolio from 20 countries to leading UK restaurants, hotels, bars, supermarkets, and regional wholesalers via three divisions: On-Trade, Off-Trade, and Spirit Cartel.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wine Wholesale and Distribution

NAICS

Wine and Distilled Alcoholic Beverage Merchant Wholesalers (424820), Beer, Wine, and Distilled Alcoholic Beverage Merchant Wholesalers (4248)

SIC

Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)

akta.pro primary industry

Beer, Wine & Spirits Wholesale Distribution (CRAOAIAA)

Keywords

• Wine import
• Wine wholesale
• Beverage distribution
• Spirits distribution
• Hospitality training

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. On-Trade Wine Sales: Supplies wines to the hospitality sector including restaurants, hotels, bars, and members' clubs. This is the core business, with field-based sales teams managing relationships and delivering to venues.
2. Off-Trade Wine Sales: Supplies wines to supermarkets and regional wholesalers, distributing the portfolio across retail channels.
3. Spirits Distribution (Spirit Cartel): Spirit division supplying spirits to all sectors, primarily through regional wholesalers.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Berkmann Wine Cellars imports and wholesales wines from producers across 20 countries, distributing a 1,400+ wine portfolio to UK hospitality venues (on-trade) and to supermarkets and regional wholesalers (off-trade), alongside a Spirit Cartel spirits division and a Veraison hospitality training programme that includes WSET courses and a 2024 e-learning platform.

Product overview

Berkmann Wine Cellars is the UK's largest family-owned and family-run wine importer, founded in 1964. The company operates three trading divisions: On-Trade (supplying hospitality sector), Off-Trade (supplying supermarkets and regional wholesalers), and Spirit Cartel (spirits division). Its core product is wine importing and distribution, offering an award-winning portfolio of over 1,400 wines from producers across 20 countries. Adjacent to its wine business, the company provides vocational training services through its Veraison programme (including WSET courses and a 2024 e-learning platform/app) designed for hospitality professionals.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Spirit Cartel: Spirits division of Berkmann Wine Cellars, supplying spirits to all sectors but primarily through regional wholesalers
• Veraison

Products and services

• On-Trade Wine Supply Supply of an award-winning 1,400+ wine portfolio to UK on-trade hospitality customers, including fine-dining restaurants, hotels, bars, and members' clubs, delivered via field-based account managers, brand activation events, tastings, and Berkmann's own regional delivery network.
• Off-Trade Wine Supply Supply of wines from the Berkmann portfolio to UK supermarkets and regional wholesalers, covering entry-level through to premium and icon wines, with national account management and distribution support.
• Spirit Cartel Spirits Distribution Spirits distribution arm of Berkmann Wine Cellars, supplying premium spirits across UK trade channels, primarily via regional wholesalers.
• Veraison Hospitality Training Programme Industry-leading vocational training programme for hospitality staff, built on a behavioural-science methodology, delivering on-site tailored training, brand training, and WSET Level 2 and Level 3 courses at Berkmann's London and York offices, and through the 2024-launched e-learning platform and mobile app.
• International Wine Portfolio The full international wine portfolio offered by Berkmann, spanning 20 producer countries with exclusive UK agencies on many A-list producers, curated by a resident Master of Wine and refined continuously with new additions from established and emerging wine regions.

Quantifiable outcome

• 123 medals at 2019 Sommelier Wine Awards, including 19 Gold medals
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Veraison (Training Division)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Berkmann's training department offers Veraison, an industry-leading hospitality training programme developed with a leading behavioural scientist, including a newly developed brand training program and exclusive e-learning app.
• Dog Point VineyardcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 June 2021Berkmann welcomed iconic New Zealand producer Dog Point Vineyard into its portfolio. Dog Point is one of New Zealand's most highly regarded wineries, founded by former Cloudy Bay viticulturist and winemaker.
• English Wine ProducersminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 May 2021Berkmann tripled English Wine representation with two new portfolio additions, showing commitment to supporting UK wine production.
• CGA (Consumer Research)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Berkmann partnered with CGA to conduct consumer research in March 2021 to understand post-lockdown dining and drinking behaviour. 1,524 consumers were surveyed about eating and drinking out preferences.
• Tenuta San LeonardocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2020Berkmann Wine Cellars became exclusive UK distributor of Tenuta San Leonardo, widely agreed to produce the finest Bordeaux blend of northern Italy. The estate was founded over 1,000 years ago and produces wines ranked among Italy's greatest. This partnership strengthens Berkmann's Italian portfolio which already includes Antinori, Masi, Tasca, Ca' del Bosco, and Umani Ronchi.
• Ridge VineyardscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Berkmann secured A-list California agency for Ridge Vineyards, adding prestigious Napa Valley producer to their portfolio. Ridge is renowned for Monte Bello and other premium wines.
• Domaine Drouhin OregonminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Berkmann added Oregon producer Domaine Drouhin to portfolio, expanding their New World offerings.
• Pulenta EstateminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Berkmann secured UK distribution for Mendoza-based Pulenta Estate, an established Argentine winery.
• Champagne JacquessonminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Berkmann secured UK distribution for Champagne Jacquesson, adding to their premium Champagne selection.
• Tempos Vega SiciliacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Berkmann announced new distribution partnership with Tempos Vega Sicilia, one of Spain's most prestigious wine producers known for Pingus and other iconic wines.
• Maison Ferraton Père & FilsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019From April 2019, Berkmann became exclusive UK distributor of Rhône producer Maison Ferraton Père & Fils, the first time this historic house appointed a sole UK distributor.
• WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBerkmann has a strong bond with WSET and offers customers Level 2 and Level 3 wine courses in both London and York offices. The partnership supports wine education for hospitality staff.
• London City Bond (LCB)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBerkmann uses London City Bond as their third-party logistics (3PL) partner for warehouse and delivery operations at their West Thurrock facility.
• l'Art du VincoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership with l'Art du Vin for Scotland sales and brand advocacy. The Sales Ambassador for Scotland works closely with l'Art du Vin to drive brand visibility and commercial opportunities across Scottish On-Trade and Independent sectors.
• LibrandiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBerkmann acquired Librandi from Calabria, filling a gap in their Italian portfolio. Librandi has been the catalyst behind Calabria's wine resurgence, maintaining 200 native Calabrian grape varieties.
• Yarra YeringcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBerkmann welcomed iconic Australian producer Yarra Yering to the portfolio. Yarra Yering is one of Australia's most respected wineries.
• Unico ZelominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustralian producer Unico Zelo joins Berkmann's Australian portfolio. Dynamic winemaking couple Brendan and Laura Carter focus on Italian grape varieties suited to Australia's climate.
• Woodlands WinesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWoodlands Wine of Margaret River joined Berkmann. The Watson family were among the first six pioneers to plant vineyards in Margaret River in 1973.
• Buena Vista WineryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBuena Vista Winery (founded 1857 by Agoston Haraszthy) joined Berkmann's California portfolio, strengthening their offering from this historic Sonoma winery now owned by the Boisset family.
• Elgin VintnersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew exclusive relationship with South African producer Elgin Vintners, a partnership of six dedicated grape growers from the cool climate Elgin Valley.
• Château d'EsclanscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBerkmann distributes Château d'Esclans, renowned for Whispering Angel (world's most popular rosé sold in 100+ countries) and premium rosé range including Garrus.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Mentzendorff & Co: Historic UK wine and spirits importer with a portfolio of premium family-owned European producers. Comparable in exclusive agency model, premium on-trade focus, and family-style long-term producer relationships.
• Corney & Barrow: Long-established UK wine merchant and importer supplying on-trade, private clients, and corporate accounts. Directly comparable as a heritage, family-aligned trade wine distributor with deep restaurant and hotel relationships.
• Hallgarten & Novum Wines: One of the UK's largest specialist wine importers with a broad portfolio across on-trade and off-trade. Comparable in scale, multi-divisional structure, and portfolio breadth across Old and New World producers.
• Liberty Wines: One of the UK's leading specialist wine importers and distributors serving both on-trade and off-trade accounts. Closely comparable in model: exclusive agency portfolio, premium positioning, field sales to restaurants and hotels, and broad country coverage.
• Hatch Mansfield: UK wine agency and distributor representing family-owned wineries from around the world, focused on on-trade. Directly comparable in agency-driven, premium on-trade positioning and family-producer alignment.
• Enotria & Coe: Leading UK wine and spirits distributor supplying on-trade and off-trade channels with an extensive portfolio including Italian and New World producers. Closely comparable in multi-division structure (on-trade, off-trade, spirits) and exclusive agency relationships.
• Armit Wines: London-based premium wine importer and distributor with a strong restaurant and sommelier focus. Comparable in boutique exclusive-agency model and emphasis on fine dining and premium hospitality accounts.
• Walker & Wodehouse: Specialist UK wine importer representing premium family-owned estates with a strong on-trade focus. Directly comparable in exclusive-agency model, premium tier, and field-sales-driven hospitality relationships.
• Bibendum Wine: UK wine importer and distributor with significant on-trade presence and broad portfolio. Comparable in premium positioning, restaurant/hotel channel focus, and multi-country exclusive producer representation.

Regional players

• Daniel Lambert Wines: Independent UK wine merchant and importer focused on restaurant and on-trade accounts. Comparable as a smaller-scale specialist wine importer serving UK hospitality, but operating at lower scale than Berkmann.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/BERKMANN_WINE
• Xx.com/BerkmannWine

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Berkmann Wine Cellars