The Vintner expands sales team to target premium on-trade

By Erin Smith

Published: 02 June, 2016

The Vintner is expanding its sales team with the appointment of Christophe Papis as the head of on-trade sales as it moves to target the premium restaurant trade for the first time.

"The restaurant market in London has been booming for a number of years now, with their wine lists becoming more demanding of less mainstream, excellent wines," said Tom Gilbey, the founder of The Vintner.

Papis has over two decades of experience in working in the on-trade. Most recently he work at Metzendorff where he was the prestige business manager. Prior to that he was with Bibendum on the prestige on-trade sales team.

"To penetrate the premium on-trade requires excellent wines and brilliant connections: the way we curate our wine list means we've always had the former, and Christophe joining the team gives us the latter. He's well-known and respected by the sommelier community and brings excellent experience to our sales team," said Gilbey.

Papis worked for a number of top restaurants as a sommelier in London, including the Conran Group and the Bleeding Heart Group.

The Vintner, which was founded in 2010, by Gilbey was set to offer a list of 100 wines that were at the peak of their drinking potential. The customer base grew beyond just private clients to include restaurants and corporate clients as well. The new addition will add support for the growing potential of the on-trade sector.

"To excite sommeliers and restaurateurs who are passionate about wine, it's imperative that you understand their offer - their menus, cuisine and customer types. You don't have to have a bible of wines from all corners of the vinous globe, but you do need to ensure that every wine you put forward is a brilliant example of its style," said Gilbey.

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