FINE WINE MERCHANT: PRIVATE CLIENT SALEs

Lay & Wheeler

Making the world of fine wine more accessible, discoverable, and enjoyable.
lay & wheeler

A long-established, but forward-looking, fine wine merchant renowned for its curated global selections and exceptional service.

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Burgundy Summer

ABOUT LAY & WHEELER

Founded in 1854, Lay & Wheeler is one of the UK's most prestigious fine wine merchants. With a storied heritage and a mission to connect wine lovers and winemakers, the company builds direct relationships with over 700 of the world’s most renowned producers.

They not only offer access to wines from established names but also scout for exciting new talents that continue to inspire and elevate the art of winemaking.

Whether offering discovery cases for emerging enthusiasts or presenting exceptional rarities for dedicated collectors, Lay & Wheeler ensures every bottle tells a unique, timeless story.

Piedmont

CUSTOMER PROFILE

Lay & Wheeler combines personalised service with industry-leading buying expertise to serve a discerning and growing private client base.

Its dedicated buying team—comprising 42 professionals, including 2 Masters of Wine and 3 Master of Wine students—ensures that every selection is carefully curated to meet the evolving tastes of its active customer base.

Focused on the private sector, Lay & Wheeler provides exclusive access to a global portfolio of fine wines, delivering a seamless buying experience across both in-bond and duty-paid markets.

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Highlights

A heritage fine wine merchant defined by sustained growth, global reach and buying excellence.

Since acquisition, the business has grown revenue from £16m to £27m while strengthening its direct relationships with over 700 producers worldwide. Anchored in a heritage dating back to 1854, Lay & Wheeler serves more than 10,000 active customers and continues to expand its international footprint.

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Growth Potential

70% growth since acquisition from £16M in FY20 to £27M in FY23.

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Heritage & Expertise

A legacy dating back to 1854 with a deep-rooted presence in the global fine wine trade.

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Global Reach

Direct relationships with over 700 producers across Bordeaux, Burgundy, Italy, Champagne, California and South Africa.

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Exceptional Team

A 42-strong buying team, including two Masters of Wine and three MW students.

Direct Sourcing

Direct relationships with renowned producers enable exclusive, high-quality wine selections.

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International Expansion

Strategic distribution partnership with Truebell extending reach into the UAE and Gulf region.

“Lay & Wheeler is one of England’s oldest fine wine merchants, established in 1854. Its reputation rests on trusted partnerships with the world’s leading producers and a standard of service shaped by expertise and care. That foundation allows the business to remain relevant today, opening the world of fine wine to a new generation.”

Michael Saunders, Group CEO