Pub and bar operators urged to be more ambitious with wine offer

Pubs and bars have scope to be far more ambitious with their wine offering, according to new research.

A CGA Strategy survey of 500 outlets for the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) revealed that 57% had a wine list with 10 or less wines to choose from while only 12% have a choice of more than 25 wines

More than half (52%) of the venues said they did not offer sparkling wine or champagne. In the North East of England, the figure was 69%.

White wine continues to dominate the market, with 79% of respondents revealing that was the most popular wine category.

Jeremy Beadles, chief executive at the WSTA, said: "There is clearly the scope to offer new and different wines to consumers and in particular a wider range of sparkling wines.

"While the smoking ban and the current trading environment have obviously caused serious difficulties for bars and pubs the increase in food availability will create new and interesting openings for wine."

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By Daniel Thomas

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