Off-Piste Wines

About Off-Piste Wines

Off-Piste Wines, a Cheltenham-based wine brand developer and distributor, was founded in 2007 by Ant Fairbank and Paul Letheren. The pair, who had previously worked together at Western Wines, aimed to provide a distinctive wine solution for the retail sector. Andy Talbot, another former colleague from Western Wines, joined at the outset as Finance and Operations Director and was appointed Managing Director in 2017. Talbot's personal drive stems from overcoming childhood illnesses, which instilled in him a determination to exceed expectations.

The company's business model centers on developing and distributing its own proprietary wine brands, creating private-label wines for major UK supermarkets, and acting as an agency partner for a curated selection of international producers. This dual approach allows them to supply a wide range of clients, including multiple retailers, convenience stores, and online channels. Revenue is generated through the sale of these wines across the UK and in expanding international markets. A significant milestone was securing an £8 million investment from BGF in December 2019, which has been instrumental in fuelling international growth, professionalizing operations, and expanding the team.

A cornerstone of Off-Piste's portfolio is the 'Most Wanted' brand, launched in 2015. This brand, developed to be globally sourced and accessible, now includes over twenty wines in various formats like bottles, bag-in-box, and cans. Notably, Off-Piste was the first UK company to successfully launch canned wine into the mainstream retail sector in 2017, with its Most Wanted Pinot Grigio Fizz cans becoming a market leader. The company's offerings are diverse, sourcing wines from at least 11 countries and featuring varietals from well-known regions like Marlborough and Rías Baixas to more niche ones like Primitivo and Grüner Veltliner. This strategy of offering a broad spectrum of products, from familiar classics to new discoveries, underpins their market position.