52: York Wines

York Wines is a specialist wine importer owned by accidental entrepreneur Stuart Vass. Like many in the industry, Vass has built a business on his love of wine, and it is his passion for quality of nose and flavour that has brought him business success in recent years.

Wine is purchased directly from the vineyard to keep costs down, and every vintage is tasted by York staff before it’s bought. The company sells to private individuals as well as wholesalers through its website and shop in the sleepy village of Sheriff Hutton. It also sells wine accessories, including corkscrews, gift wrap and personalised labels. However, the business’s quaint image belies its £67.7m turnover.www.yorkwines.co.uk

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