The Bunch Annual Press Tasting 2025: Independent Wine at Its Finest
In September 2025, The Bunch hosted its Annual Press Tasting in London, welcoming leading wine journalists to assess a selection of grower‑driven wines from six of Britain’s most respected independent wine merchants. The 2025 tasting once again underscored The Bunch’s role as a benchmark for quality, value and individuality in the UK wine trade.
Held exclusively for press, the event showcased wines from Corney & Barrow, Haynes Hanson & Clark, Lea & Sandeman, Private Cellar, Tanners and Yapp Brothers, offering critics a clear perspective on how independent buying continues to shape the modern wine landscape.
Why the Bunch Annual Press Tasting Matters
The Bunch Annual Press Tasting has become a fixture of the UK wine calendar for journalists seeking authenticity over uniformity. Rather than presenting a single stylistic viewpoint, the tasting highlights the distinct buying philosophies of its member merchants, united by a commitment to grower‑made wines and long‑term producer relationships.
In 2025, more than 60 wines were poured, spanning classic regions, lesser‑known appellations and emerging producers — all selected for character, provenance and value rather than brand recognition.
Matthew Jukes on the 2025 Bunch Press Tasting
Wine journalist Matthew Jukes attended the 2025 tasting and published a detailed review praising both the selection and the merchants behind it.
“The Bunch is a collaborative group of six outstanding independent wine merchants who work together to highlight their buying skills, tremendous palates and fascinating individuality.”
Jukes highlighted several standout wines that exemplified value through sourcing rather than scale, singling out bottles that clearly distinguished themselves from supermarket offerings.
“Les Roches Blanches… is utterly incredible. It will amaze all who taste it, and it is certainly 2025’s finest value French Sauvignon Blanc.”
Summing up the event, his verdict was unequivocal:
“A perfect bunch for this autumn and winter’s delectation.”
Ian D’Agata: A Celebration of Difference, Not Uniformity
Internationally respected wine writer Ian D’Agata placed the 2025 tasting within a broader industry context, emphasising the importance of independent voices.
“The selection of wines presented at The Bunch Press Tasting highlighted the individual merchant buying visions, hunches, insights, and talents.”
D’Agata’s review directly addressed the dangers of homogeneity in wine retail, reinforcing a philosophy at the core of The Bunch.
“Wine is not a soft drink made in a formulaic manner… Wine should not be identical to itself year after year and from place to place.”
Jancis Robinson MW on The Bunch 2025
In her assessment of The Bunch 2025, Jancis Robinson MW focused on the overall quality and consistency of the line‑up.
“They showed a total of 60 wines, many really rather good.”
Her succinct summary reinforced the tasting’s purpose: not to chase trends, but to maintain a consistently high standard across diverse styles and producers.
A Press‑Only Tasting with Long‑Term Impact
Listed as a press‑only event by the Wine & Spirit Trade Association, the 2025 Bunch Annual Press Tasting continues to function as a forum for informed critique rather than promotion. Its influence lies not in a single headline wine, but in the collective message delivered year after year.
Feedback from the 2025 tasting consistently highlighted:
- Clear expression of place and producer
- Strong value derived from expertise, not discounting
- A breadth of styles reflecting genuine independence
Conclusion: The Bunch in 2025
Coverage from the 2025 Annual Press Tasting confirms that The Bunch remains a powerful advocate for independent wine retail in the UK. At a time of increasing consolidation, the tasting demonstrated that thoughtful buying, individuality and long‑term relationships continue to resonate with critics and professionals alike.