Business Details
21 Years
experience
Your Trusted Wine Merchant in Hove & Brighton
Established in 2005 by Toby Peirce, Quaff Fine Wine Merchant Fine Wine Merchant has grown from a single Hove shop to a respected presence across Brighton and Hove. Our expertise stems from decades of combined experience in wine selection, with founders and team members having worked with renowned producers like Moet et Chandon and Penfolds. We specialise in curating wines from small, often family-run estates worldwide, prioritising quality and authenticity over rigid regional or organic classifications. Our approach combines rigorous tasting processes with customer-centric service, ensuring every recommendation reflects both the wine's character and the client's preferences.The team includes WSET-certified professionals and former specialists from leading wine retailers, bringing technical knowledge and passion to every interaction. We host regular tastings, educational events, and pop-up wine bars to deepen appreciation for diverse wine styles. With two physical locations and nationwide delivery, we blend traditional retail with modern convenience while maintaining a commitment to transparency and exceptional customer care.
Services
Wine Sales
Wine Tastings
Private Events
Delivery Services
Gift Vouchers
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We source wines from small, family-run estates worldwide
- Our team includes WSET-certified professionals with decades of experience
- We host regular educational tastings and wine events
- We offer nationwide delivery with free options for local areas
- We provide expert, personalised wine recommendations
Services
Wine Sales
We offer a carefully curated selection of wines from small producers worldwide. Our range includes both well-known varietals and unique discoveries, with a focus on quality and authenticity. Each wine undergoes rigorous tasting to ensure it represents its region and style accurately, providing customers with exceptional value and drinking experiences.
Wine Tastings
Our educational wine tastings explore diverse regions, varietals, and styles. Led by WSET-certified professionals, these events cater to both beginners and enthusiasts. Participants discover new wines through guided tastings with expert commentary on production methods, food pairings, and the stories behind each bottle.
Private Events
We create tailored wine experiences for groups of eight or more. Options include themed tastings, seasonal wine pairings, and explorations of specific regions. Events can be hosted at our shops or clients' venues, with optional cheese pairings and professional presentation materials included for an enhanced experience.
Delivery Services
We provide local delivery across Brighton and Hove with nationwide shipping options. Orders over 175 qualify for free mainland UK delivery. Our logistics team ensures timely handling, with tracking available for all shipments. Same-day and next-day options are available for local addresses.
Gift Vouchers
Physical gift vouchers are available for purchase in our shops. These make ideal gifts for wine enthusiasts, allowing recipients to select from our full range. Vouchers can be posted directly to recipients upon request, with denominations available to suit various budgets.
People
Toby Peirce
Founder
Founder Toby Peirce established Quaff Fine Wine Merchant Fine Wine Merchant in 2005 after a career in professional cricket and wine sales. He previously worked with a leading Champagne house, supplying major UK retailers and restaurants before launching the business.
Matt Smith
Team Member
Matt joined in 2013 after working at London's Hedonism wine shop. A lifelong Brighton & Hove Albion supporter, he brings extensive retail experience and wine knowledge to the team through regular participation in industry events.
Sam Denyer
Manager
Sam became manager after joining during lockdown. With retail management experience and WSET exam progress, he transitioned from part-time assistance to leadership role. He combines operational expertise with growing wine industry knowledge.
Felix Lehmann
Wine Specialist
Felix brings two decades of wine trade experience from Majestic and other industry roles. An Australian expatriate, he rejoined the team after working in full-time positions elsewhere, contributing specialist knowledge and training expertise.
Maxim Taite-Ellis
Wine Tasting Host
Maxim joined from the Brighton on-trade sector with full WSET qualifications. While pursuing music projects, he rapidly developed wine expertise and now serves as our primary wine tasting host for educational events.
Questions
What types of wines do you specialise in?
We focus on wines from small, family-run producers worldwide. Our selection includes both classic varietals and unique discoveries, prioritising quality and authenticity over rigid classifications.
Do you offer wine tasting events?
Yes, we host regular tastings exploring different regions, varietals, and themes. These events cater to various experience levels and include expert guidance on wine characteristics and food pairings.
Can I order wines for delivery?
We offer local delivery in Brighton and Hove plus nationwide shipping. Orders over £175 qualify for free mainland UK delivery with tracking available for all shipments.
Are gift vouchers available?
Physical gift vouchers can be purchased in our shops. We can arrange postal delivery for customers unable to visit in person by contacting our Hove store directly.
Do you provide wine recommendations?
Our team offers expert, personalised recommendations based on your preferences. We combine technical knowledge with tasting experience to help you discover wines matching your tastes.
Can you host private wine events?
We create bespoke tastings for groups of eight or more. Options include regional explorations, seasonal pairings, or themed events. We can host at our shops or bring the tasting to your chosen venue.
