Spear’s Review

As one of the oldest independent wine merchants in the UK, Corney & Barrow is used to doing things its own way. Under managing director Adam Brett-Smith’s leadership, it was the first fine wine broker to develop close relationships between merchants and growers, a concept then alien to the industry. ‘People laughed at us,’ admits Brett-Smith. ‘We trust our growers, and our growers trust us. If you choose them carefully, the value remains constant.’

With a heritage tracing back to the 18th century, Corney & Barrow has held royal warrants since 1912 and has been Domaine de la Romanée-Conti’s exclusive UK agent since 1991.

Expanding to meet the international demand for fine wine, the firm now has offices and sales outlets in England, Scotland, Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai.