Lot 18 makes UK debut
Lot 18, the US online niche wine merchant, has launched in the UK. Aimed at “aspiring wine connoisseurs looking to expand their knowledge”, the members only site will offer three rare wines a day at reduced prices in sales lasting between 48 and 96 hours.
The site, founded in 2010 by British-born former investment banker Philip James, has over 800,000 American and 120,000 French customers. The company is aiming to sign up one million members in the UK.
Will Armitage, general manager for Europe, told the Evening Standard: “Our customers are likely to have some knowledge of wine but we will take them as far up the learning curve as they want to go.
“If you just want to get drunk there are probably better mechanisms but if you know a little bit and want to know more we will cater for you.”
The UK site will feature wines from all around the world but will focus more on little-known wine makers who produce wines that are normally quite difficult to find.
Initial launch offers include Château Pontet Canet 1995 at £90 per bottle and Rubicon Estate Blancaneaux 2009 from Francis Ford Coppola’s Inglenook Estate in Napa at £42.50. The company will also offer cheaper wines with most priced at less than £25.
Lot 18 is has plans to launch in Germany, Spain and Northern Europe in the near future. Membership to the site is free.
