Rutland wine merchant pops the cork to celebrate 30 years - and you're invited

By Guest 2nd Nov 2023

Bat and Bottle is an Oakham-based wine merchant, founded and run by husband and wife team, Ben and Emma Robson, and this year the company is celebrating 30 years in business.

Ben and Emma were inspired to set up Bat and Bottle in 1993 on their honeymoon, with the intention of selling the unique combination of cricket bats and wine: two things that Ben was very passionate about.

Over the years, their selection of wines and ever-popular Wine Club has been loved by users across the county and the country, as well as being recognised in the prestigious Decanter UK awards.

Last month the duo were once again awarded "Best Italian Wine Merchant" in the UK by Decanter.

Bat and Bottle has been bringing the best in Italian Wine since 1993. Image credit: Bat and Bottle.

Although their wine offers the full Italian experience, Bat and Bottle originated just a short drive from Oakham, a true kitchen table outfit on High Street East in Uppingham.

Thirty years later, the couple are celebrating remaining married, in business together, just selling wine, and being truly multum in parvo.

Emma said: "The wine world moves at its own pace, and it takes time and patience to carve out a specialist business. If you are going to commit 30 years of marriage to a specialism, it could be a lot worse than exploring Italy and Wine together!"

Emma and Ben have been running Bat and Bottle for 30 years. Image credit: Nub News.

Not only have they been recognised by Decanter as a Wine Merchant of exceptional quality, but also their Wine Club was awarded Runner Up "Best Subscription Wine Club" for the third year running, with very strong competition including huge national names in the wine world.

To celebrate their host of achievements and to mark 30 years in the business, Ben and Emma will be hosting their annual Oakham Wine Tasting in the beautiful Victoria Hall, on Friday 10 November from 6.45pm.

Discounted tickets are available in advance from their website, and if you decide to treat yourself to some tasty tipples on the night, the price of this ticket can be fully re-reimbursed with an order of over £150 (placed by 24/11/23).

Members of their Wine Club gain FREE entry, so if you have been considering joining up, the next few days are surely the best time to do so!

On the run-up to Christmas, their warehouse shop will be open every Saturday at Oakham Enterprise Park.

They will also be hosting another wine tasting (Piemonte and Friends) at St John's Smith Square in London on Wednesday 8 November 2023, 5-7pm, and 7-9pm in The Crypt at St John's Smith Square, Westminster SW1P 3HA.

Advance tickets are available here.