What we do — specialist legal work for the wine trade

Termination of relationships

We help to plan and handle all aspects of the termination of UK wine agency, distribution or joint venture relationships. When acting for producers, this usually involves helping to set up new or alternative distribution arrangements in parallel (see below).

Compensation claims

We handle claims for damages or compensation following the termination of wine trade contracts and relationships. We have a solid track record of achieving successful outcomes in these situations, whether acting on behalf of the producer or the agent/distributor. See also termination, compensation and disputes.

UK agency and distribution

We help producers to set up UK wine distribution for the first time — see market entry and setting up in the UK. We also help with:

reviewing existing agency, distribution and joint venture contracts;
negotiation and drafting of new contracts;
advising on problems and disputes that arise in practice, and helping to resolve them.

See contract review, problems with agents, appointing a UK agent and dispute resolution.

Brand-development projects and joint ventures

We advise in connection with the many and varied forms of brand development projects and joint ventures encountered in the UK trade, and on the negotiation and drafting of the necessary documentation. We advise in particular on arrangements between UK agents and wine producers for the supply of wine under specially created brands, and between producers and UK retailers for retailers' exclusive brands or own labels. See joint ventures.