Press & Media
For Journalists & Media
Story Opportunities Available Now:
- West London's longest-running independent wine merchant (since 1967) with fresh leadership.
- Direct relationships with Europe's most prestigious wine producers.
- Expert insights on fine wine trends, investment, and market analysis.
- Local business success story: thriving independent retail in competitive market.
Expert Available for Comment
Ben Carfagnini, Managing Director & Wine Expert
- Fine wine market trends and investment opportunities
- Bordeaux, Burgundy & Italian wine expertise
- Independent retail vs. corporate wine chains
- Wine collecting and cellar building strategies
- European producer relationships and direct trade
- London wine scene insights
Salvatore Castano, Award-Winning Sommelier
- Best Sommelier of Europe and Africa ASI 2021
- Professional sommelier expertise and wine service
- Competition-level wine tasting and evaluation
- Wine and food pairing mastery
- Sommelier training and education
- International wine competition insights
Auriane d'Aramon, Head Wine Buyer
- 10+ years wine buying and sourcing expertise
- Direct Bordeaux producer relationships and market insights
- Saint-Émilion and Right Bank Bordeaux specialist
- European vineyard sourcing and vintage evaluation
- Fine wine market analysis and investment trends
Available for interviews, expert quotes, and commentary
Current Story Angles
"The Last of London's Wine Independents" How family-run wine shops survive in an age of supermarket dominance
"Direct from Vineyard to Cellar" Why personal producer relationships matter in fine wine
"Investment Wine in 2025" What London collectors are buying and why
"Sommelier Secrets" Insider knowledge on building the perfect wine collection
Press Resources
- High-res photography: Ben Carfagnini, Auriane d'Aramon, Salvatore Castano portraits, store interiors/exteriors
- Company logos & branding assets in various formats
- Fact sheets & background information available on request
- Wine samples available for reviews and features
Media Contact
Emile Ward, DIgital Marketing Manager Email: [emile@friarwood.com] Response time: Same day for urgent requests
Quick turnaround on expert quotes, interviews, and story contributions