A wine merchant in Truro has become a pioneer in offering 'alternative' wines.
Old Chapel Cellars has been sparking change in the wine industry by becoming the exclusive Cornish distributor for a brand-new range of innovative canned wines from Italy.
A move that follows the company's record of accolades, including becoming the UK's first B-Corp wine merchant in 2022, and securing the title of Highest Climber in Harpers Wine & Spirits 50 Best Indies list for 2024.
The independent merchant now exclusively provides Cornwall with The Copper Crew's brand-new range of eco-friendly canned wines.
The founders of The Copper Crew, friends Oli and Theo, worked collaboratively to launch vegan-friendly, organic wines that honour the age-old grape varieties found in Italy's Puglia region.
Each can contains a selection of Fiano white wine, a Rosato blend, or a Negroamaro red wine, all sourced from family-run, sustainable estate Tenuta Viglione that has been in operation since 1937.
Old Chapel Cellars takes commitment to alternative wine formats to the next level by carrying other canned wine options from The Copper Crew partners Canned Wine Co. and The Uncommon, an English sparkling wine brand.
Additionally, the wine shop offers low-alcohol beverages from local 'no-lo' brand, Wild Life Botanicals.
This diverse selection places the wine merchant at the forefront of the expanding canned wine market.
Co-owner of Old Chapel Cellars, Louisa Fitzpatrick said: "'We are delighted to be Cornwall's distributor for The Copper Crew.
"As a B-Corp we’re passionate about alternative formats, not least because of the sustainability factor - canned wine uses significantly less carbon in transportation”.
She went on to argue that despite being canned, the wines demonstrate as much character and quality as any traditionally bottled wine.
Ms Fitzpatrick also shared her enthusiasm for this novel wine packaging, highlighting its aligning convenience and eco-friendly benefits.
She explained: "Whether you’re heading to a festival, a beach barbecue, or for an after-work walk or paddle, grabbing a couple of cans to share with friends feels like a special treat worthy of the great Cornish outdoors.”
Continuing their commitment to sustainability, Old Chapel offers wine refills at their Truro shop.
Co-owner Jamie Tonkin noted that this service has been embraced by customers, stating: "Wine refills are another way in which we’re reducing our environmental impact while offering our customers a really great product."
Old Chapel Cellars is taking impressive strides towards progress in the wine industry, forging a path for others to join in the journey towards sustainability and innovation.
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