INVERNESS LOVES LOCAL: Spirits of Christmas to delight customers at WoodWinters
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Multi-award winning wine, whisky, spirits and beer retailer WoodWinters is gearing up for a busy festive season.
Christmas is always a busy time for fine wine and whisky, with people all across the region seeking to indulge in a little festive spirit. WoodWinters’ wide range of artisan spirits, wines and ales is ideally placed to find you something extra special.
A recipient of Decanter’s ‘retailer of the year’ title, the connoisseur retailer was also named on the list of the UK’s Best Indies in 2018, and was named regional merchant of the year for Scotland in 2019’s International Wine Challenge. And the retailer is anticipating plenty of interest from Highland residents as we head into December – with a host of special tasting sessions lined up throughout the month.
Q: Please tell us a little about the shop.
We are an importer, wholesaler & retailer of wines, whiskies and artisan spirits from around the globe.
We have three shops: Bridge of Allan, Edinburgh and Inverness.
Q. What’s happening at WoodWinters during the festive season?
We are delighted to be hosting a number of varied tastings in the shop, showcasing some brilliant Scottish producers:
- Friday, December 1 – Port of Leith Port and Sherry tasting – 7pm-9pm, £15.
- Saturday, December 2 – Lochlea Barrel tasting – Emma from Lochlea will be pouring drams and taking you through the Lochlea story. 1pm-4pm (free).
- Friday, December 8 – Badachro Cocktail making masterclass, 7pm-9pm, £25.
- Saturday, December 9 – Badachro Barrel Top Tasting, 11am-4pm (free).
- Thursday, December 14 – Highland Nectar – Irene from Highland Nectar will be pouring their fantastic whisky liqueur. 11am-4pm (free).
- Friday, December 15 – Seven Crofts – Paul from Seven Crofts will be here to pour their gin and tell you the Seven Crofts story. Pop by 1pm-5pm to sample and say hello (free).
- Saturday, December 16 – Barrel Top tasting with Little Brown Dog and GlenWyvis Distillery, 11am-4pm (free).
- Friday, December 22 – Highland Nectar and Seven Crofts – Irene from Highland Nectar will be showing their whisky liqueur and Paul from Seven Crofts will be showing their gin, 11am-4pm (free).
- Saturday, December 23 – GlenWyvis Barrel Top Tasting – Meeghan from GlenWyvis will be showcasing their latest whisky release and pouring their gin. Pop by 11am-4pm to try it and hear about their community-owned distillery (free).
See www.woodwinters.com for more details.
Q. What is it about the Highlands & Islands that makes for an ideal inspiration?
Steeped in history, an abundance of picturesque wild views, and a bustling city centre.
Q. Tell us something about WoodWinters that might surprise people.
We have one of the largest retail collections of wine in the UK, stocking over 2000 different bottles.
Q. Who are your Inverness city centre stars?
The always brilliant Mustard Seed. They are one of the reasons we opened in Inverness and we still have a great relationship with them today. The Milk Bar who keep us caffeinated, and all of the amazing hospitality staff in Inverness who keep us socially lubricated on our time off.
Q. What makes Inverness city centre a great place to visit, shop and work?
Unlike some of the larger cities Everything here is only a short walk away and nature is only a short drive away. It is great to see so many units on Church Street filled with locally owned independent businesses.
Q. At the heart of every city centre are the ‘people and businesses’ which make it, what do you enjoy in Inverness during the festive season?
The Victorian Market decorations look beautiful – they are amazing. We were there on Sunday and it was looking very Christmassy. We love a wee walk round the city centre just after the lights are turned on. Doing some shopping then a wee drink in the Black Isle Brewery, going for a Christmas meal in the Mustard Seed and sampling their fine Christmas menu, or checking out the Redshank’s food.
Q. Why is the Inverness city centre gift card the perfect present this festive season?
It’s a great way to give city centre businesses and their staff a much needed boost. #Invernessloveslocal
Related: INVERNESS LOVES LOCAL: This bistro says ‘ta-ta’ to festive turkey!
