Naked Wines Pips the Big Boys to the Post.

(PRWeb UK) February 10, 2011

Online wine retailer Naked Wines, which was launched in the depth of the recession in December 2008, saw off Majestic, Sainsbury's, Virgin Wines and the Whisky Exchange at last week's Drinks Retailing Awards, sponsored by Off Licence News.

The Norwich-based company, which invests in independent winemakers from around the world, walked away with two gongs: the Innovation of the Year award and the Online/Direct Mail Retailer of the Year award.

Founder Rowan Gormley, former Virgin Money and Virgin Wines CEO, said:

"When we launched, we knew we would only survive if we could deliver genuinely better wines for genuinely less money than our competitors and the only way to do that was to come up with a game-changing model.

In just over two years, we have over 100,000 customers investing [pounds sterling]1m a month, for us to support independent producers. Together, we have helped 22 winemakers set-up shop and export to the UK for the first time -- in return for exclusive new wines at preferential prices.

So a big thank you to all our customers, for embracing a new way of doing things and helping us win these awards."

The Awards, which cover fifteen different categories, are described as having one of the most 'rigorous and thorough judging processes in the business,' recognising the 'most outstanding retailers in the take-home drinks market.'

Rosie Davenport, Editor at Off Licence News said: "Naked Wines has revolutionised the way consumers buy wine by putting internet shoppers in direct contact with producers. Its advanced ordering system has also allowed many wineries to enter the market who may have otherwise struggled to gain a foothold. Founder Rowan Gormley has created a lively and innovative website which encourages shoppers to interact with each other and suppliers making the whole process more fun and personal."

To find out more about Naked Wines, who offer next day delivery throughout the UK, visit http://www.nakedwines.com or follow them on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/nakedwines

Other 2011 Drinks Retailing Award winners include Waitrose, Corks Out and Cambridge Wine Merchants.

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