Wine distributor and producer Boutinot is set to expand its Kent vineyard Henners, on the back of securing a six-figure funding package.
The growing Manchester-based business purchased the 10-acre Henners vineyard near Hastings last year. The site produces up to 20,000 litres of wine per year, with plans to produce a further 80,000 litres after a significant expansion.
Funding from HSBC will be used to finance growth at the site, including the creation of new tasting and hospitality facilities.
The renovation of the vineyard is expected to create two new jobs on site and increase turnover by 200% over the next four years, the company said.
Boutinot has distributed a wide range of wine to supermarkets, independent retailers and the hospitality sector for over 30 years.
The vineyard produces wine under the Henners and Native Grace brands, which Boutinot plans to sell in the UK and international markets.
“We’re incredibly proud to have brought so many fantastic wines to the UK, whether it’s from our own vineyards or our favourite international winemakers,” commented Michael Moriarty, commercial director for Boutinot.
Read more: Penta Foods bought out by directors following collapse
“Opening our new Henners UK vineyard gives us the perfect opportunity to demonstrate just how good UK wine can be and display the taste of Britain on a global stage.
“We continue to see our passion for great wine shared across international markets and look forward to developing relationships across the world.”
Matthew Palmer, HSBC UK’s relationship director for Greater Manchester, said: “We identified Boutinot as a rapidly expanding Manchester business, so when the opportunity came to support the opening of a new British vineyard we were delighted to offer our services.
“Healthy levels of exports showed us that Boutinot knows how to enter new markets and we believe the opening of the Hastings vineyard will not only increase sales but could bolster the international reputation of UK wine.
“Working with Boutinot has been an insightful process and, like a good wine, we hope the business’s relationship with HSBC only gets better with age.”
No comments yet