YOUNG ENTREPENEUR TAPS TASTE FOR FINE WINES

Quality equals value and value is what everyone wants when times are tough. And tapping into a groundswell of appreciation of quality is a relative newcome to the wine market, the house of Eminent Wines.

Created by a young man with an old head on his shoulders, this came into being just four years ago and has already established itself not only as a supplier of fine wines but as an organiser of tastings and events and luxury trips to vineyards.

Jérome Jacober is the young man behind its success. Sent to school in the UK from his home in Geneva at the tender age of 16 in 1995, he has remained here, and found his metier in the wine business almost by accident.

“My father was always passionate about wine, and so I learnt from him from an early age. And when I was on holiday in the Provence one summer, I saw the whole wine process from grape to bottle, and sampled some fine wine.

Above, Jérome Jacober with Joan Collins at one of his tastings at The Dorchester. Below another tasting at the top of the Gherkin building.

“I asked where I could buy this in the UK and was told they had no UK distribution. So I said send me a few cases and I will see what I can do. I presented the wine to a number of sommeliers in London restaurants, who liked it – and that was the start.”

From a family steeped in the luxury market – his father was concerned with Patek Philippe watches – he appreciated the demand for quality. But he wanted to have his own business and he wanted to do things his way, so he decided to stay in London and pursue his interest in wine.

“The first wine producers gave me an exclusive contract for 12 months to see how I would get on. I did my homework. I researched the market, I saw a passion for wine increasing. I visited restaurants and took part in food and wine shows. These were not cheap wines, so were not for mass distribution. And the response was good.”

So much so that he began expanding his selection of wines, established a private clientele by personal recommendations, and set up his limited company at the end of 2006.

Since then, he has gone on to arrange small, private tastings at art galleries and clubs and other exclusive venues, concentrating upon fine wines.

“Many have a rarity value – for example, a limited vintage of 400 bottles of Japanese wine. Many are from small, family vineyards in France. I enjoy finding and visiting them – you meet extraordinary people, passionate about their wines.”

And then he became agent for Bernard Magrez, owner of 35 top chateaux around the world, and recognised as one of the most important wine producers.

“That allowed me to expand. I now have a wide portfolio, not just French but New World, Moroccan, Algerian and others. I’m looking to include a sparkling English wine.”

And it has helped establish Eminent Wines’ reputation as a luxury supplier, serving such up-market establishments as The Dorchester, La Gavroche and Mosimann's, as well as private jet companies and concierge services.

There is also a range of Eminent luxury accessories – ice buckets, spittoons, bottle openers. And expansion into wine travel tourism is underway.

One of the fine chateaux to be visited, Chateau Pape Clement located in Pessac in Bordeaux.

“We will arrange visits to vineyards, perhaps by private jet from London Airport, to Bordeaux maybe, then helicopter to the vineyard. There will be luxury accommodation, perhaps a visit to the opera, or other entertainment during the trip. Nothing is impossible,” he says confidently.

He is not resting on his laurels. He is offering wine storage, collaborations with top jewellers, and is now moving into the property market, his contacts giving him a special ability to advise those wishing to buy vineyards.

“ Yes, it has been a long and hard journey, no social life, and I am hands on in all directions. But I find it very rewarding and interesting.”

With a fine palate himself, it is to be hoped that he does occasionally find time to enjoy the wine of his labours. Meantime, this British company is meeting the improving tastes of the home market and showing that even in the present economic climate, wine can inspire us.

Personal customers and trade buyers may judge the wines at exclusive tastings he arranges – a recent one in the private club at the top of the Gherkin building in the City; or see the Eminent website for further details and contact on www.eminentwines.com.

LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP OF WINE CLUB

The oldest wine club in the world, the Wine Society, continues to offer its members good value in a broad selection of wines. Established for over 130 years, it is owned by the members, with the aim 'to buy wines direct from growers to ensure their authenticity and quality and to offer them to members at fair prices'.

It has grown over the years but like Savile Row, has preferred recommendations rather than marketing. But it is offering a special Christmas season membership package that would be a welcome gift to anyone who drinks wine.

A member share in the form of a handwritten certificate may be sent, suitably gift packed in a red box, to the member-to-be, with the latest list of the Society's wines and wine offers. The cost of this one share is £40, and for the Christmas season, the Society will include a credit for that new member of £20 on their first order.It gives a lifetime membership and wines are delivered free anywhere in the UK.

The Society's latest offer is of some Portuguese wines at reasonable prices, plus some vintage ports. They have frequent tastings around the country as well as other social events. www.thewinesociety.com.