Future’s looking rosé as Clitheroe wine shop wins North West award (From This Is Lancashire)

Future’s looking rosé as Clitheroe wine shop wins North West award

8:52am Friday 14th September 2012 in News By Jessica Cree, Education reporter

ON SPARKLING FORM Philip Byrne with his award.

A FAMILY-RUN wine merchant is raising its glass in celebration after winning a prestigious award.

Clitheroe-based D Byrne and Co was named the regional merchant of the year for North West England by the International Wine Challenge at a glamorous ceremony in London.

The store, located in King Street, was also awarded the title of the best Rhone wine specialists in the whole of England by the awarding body, which recognises the best wine sellers in the UK.

D Byrne and Co is run by brothers Philip, Andrew, and Tim Byrne, whose great-grandfather Denis set up the company in 1879.

The retailers won the best small independent merchant at the same awards last year and were overjoyed to have been recognised again.

Philip, who has been a partner at the shop for 20 years, said: “It is excellent, we knew we had been shortlisted so we are absolutely delighted.

“It was really exciting to be at the ceremony and it was nice to get the recognition.”

The brothers are the fourth generation of Byrnes to take on the wine shop, with Philip’s wife Judith also organising the accounts.

It also employs 10 other members of staff.

Philip, 56, said: “My great-grandfather would have been very proud.

“We are specialists in fine wines and spirits and we keep the largest range anywhere in the country on display.

“It is a very traditional business, we still have all the original fixtures and fittings, nothing has changed.

“People come for something a bit different and for the atmosphere the shop creates.

“We are really pleased with all of the success and it keeps putting Clitheroe on the map as a destination for shoppers.”