The festive season is famously a time for boozing, and if you're entertaining, you can add memorable flair to the drinks by choosing something you wouldn't find on supermarket shelves. Or perhaps you have a connoisseur in your life who you want to impress with a Christmas present? Either way, seek out Grape Minds in Summertown. We chatted to co-founder Michael Jelley (right, with co-founder Graeme Woodward).
Tell us about what you sell
Wine, spirits and beer, of all kinds, as long as we love it and think it's great value. We stock wines ranging from £6.99 to £700, hand chosen and properly looked after, and beers and ciders that are mainly local with a few of our favourites from further afield. Stacks of great gin, whisky and cognac, and other bits and pieces that no home should be without!
How long has your business been going?
We recently celebrated our first birthday on 30th November, but we feel thoroughly at home on South Parade.
What motivated you to start Grape Minds?
Oxford is a city of wine lovers, and having sold someone else's wine in Summertown for several years, we thought there was an opportunity to do something a bit more tailored to local tastebuds. We both have an entrepreneurial streak, but more importantly, we love finding the right bottle for each person's occasion. When they come back and tell you they enjoyed your recommendation, it's a real buzz.
What do you like best about being based in Oxfordshire?
Graeme is Oxfordshire born-and-bred, and I have been in Oxford since 2001. It's a beautiful city inside a wonderful county, with all you could need on your doorstep. The community of Oxfordshire is diverse and friendly, and we couldn't have asked for a warmer welcome for our shop.
Do you think Oxford is a good place to run a small business?
It's the only place I'd run a small business! There are lots of little communities that make up the city, and we've found our neighbouring small businesses to be really supportive and helpful.
There's a thriving indie scene which reflects the preferences of the people who live here. We love it!
What's the best thing about running a small business?
You do everything! It's varied and you're continually learning about some element of business you've never considered before. You're in control and accountable only to yourself, so when things go well it means you must be doing something right...
What’s the biggest challenge?
You do everything! Maintenance, cleaning, tax, employment law, tasting, marketing, stock control - it's all on you. Luckily for me, Graeme seems to have an endless appetite for expanding his knowledge, and we haven't found anything yet that we couldn't manage between us...
What's the most interesting little-known fact about what you do?
Alongside selling wine to customers we are also exclusive UK importers for Chamapgne de Sant Gall, a wonderful brand of Champagnes!
What’s your favourite product?
I love them all, but if I have to choose: we've recently begun importing Champagne exclusively, and direct from the growers, which means we've got a whole range of amazing Premier and Grand Cru Champagne at supermarket-busting prices. Their Tradition 1er Cru is £27.99, and I defy anyone to find a better one for less than £40!
Is there anything else you’d like to highlight?
We offer tastings several times a week, which is a brilliant way to broaden your palate, and taste some fabulous and exciting wines.
Welcome to Daily Info’s 2023 Advent Calendar – 24 days of festive tips, free activities & local shopping suggestions!
This year's calendar offers a mix of Christmas suggestions, taking in traditions in Oxford and the wider area, and free activities & events in the build up to the big day.
