Our Heritage

The Wheeler family has been a part of Colchester's rich and diverse history since 1854, beginning its journey in the heart of the well-known town, on the High Street. George Wheeler joined the family's wine merchant business, established by his uncle John Lay, in 1883. The founders passed away in 1895, and descendent John Frederick Wheeler inherited the family business.

As the 19th turned into the 20th century, the Wheeler's traditional wine merchant firm continued to grow, and the family moved their business onto Culver Street in the centre of the town. Thanks to the move in 1937, the Wheelers were able to supply the increasing demand for quality wine. The Culver Street site provided stabling for horse-drawn drays, a bottling cellar, and also space for storing their precious goods.

Over the years the business matured and developed, along with the way people bought and enjoyed wine. The family's expertise in the field meant that by the middle of the 20th century, they could offer a carefully chosen selection of wines through a mail order service, supplying wine perfect for either enjoying now, sharing while entertaining or setting aside as an investment for the future. By this time, the family had been travelling the world's premier vineyards for XX years, giving them a rare and invaluable understanding of what makes excellent wine, as well as an appreciation for the best independent growers.

Richard and his son Johnny now run The Wine Company, and are the fifth and sixth generation of Wheeler men to do so. While at the helm, Richard has firmly established the family company as a national heavyweight in the UK wine industry. His understanding of what customers want, combined with an extensive knowledge of excellent wine has driven the family business forward.

By the company's 150th Anniversary in 2004, Richard had overseen the creation of a bespoke trade depot, opened wine bars in the City of London, taken over restaurants, bought half a vineyard in New Zealand, opened an innovative wine market with space for hosting dinners and tastings, and moved the whole business to the newly developed Gosbecks Park on the outskirts of Colchester. His vision for supplying excellent quality wine for every day drinking and enjoyment has won the company a string of awards, of which the family is very proud.

With nearly 160 years of rich history behind them, the team at The Wine Company is dedicated to preserving what makes them so special as they move forward. The expert staff who've joined the company have become a part of the family, and are proud to be able to provide such good quality wine to the whole of the UK. Inspired by the ambition of the early Wheelers, Richard and Johnny continue to look to the future and how they can add to their family's, already rich, heritage.