Four dozen from Stannary Street

UK wine importers Flint have followed many other British operations by opening up their own direct-to-consumer arm – an increasingly popular option in times when margins are continually squeezed by unfavourable exchange rates and rising duties. By cutting out third-party retailers, such initiatives allow the importer to keep a more generous portion of the profit – although it must be carefully handled to avoid undercutting their own wholesale customers, or irritating on-trade clients who dislike wines on their list being available at retail prices.

It is rather convenient for the likes of us, however, who are able to present an...