Business Details
21 Years
experience
Your Trusted Wine Merchant in Hove
Established in 2005, Quaff Fine Wine Merchant Fine Wine Merchant was founded by Toby Peirce, whose passion for wine developed during his cricket career in South Africa. We specialise in curating wines from small producers worldwide, prioritising quality and authenticity over regional or organic labels. Our selection process involves rigorous tasting to ensure every wine represents its style, origin, and producer's craftsmanship. With two Brighton & Hove locations, we combine expert knowledge with customer-centric service, offering tailored recommendations and educational tastings.Our team, including WSET-certified professionals, hosts regular events and private tastings to deepen appreciation for artisanal wines. We provide nationwide delivery, free local shipping on qualifying orders, and a curated wine bar experience. Backed by decades of combined industry experience, we guarantee satisfaction through transparent communication and a commitment to evolving with customer preferences.
Services
Wine Sales
Tasting Events
Private Tastings
Wine Delivery
Wine Education
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer 20 years of combined expertise in wine selection and service
- Our team includes WSET-certified professionals with tasting expertise
- We guarantee satisfaction through transparent communication and problem resolution
- We provide free local delivery and nationwide shipping options
- We host regular educational tastings and private wine events
Services
Wine Sales
We offer an extensive selection of wines from small producers worldwide, carefully curated for quality and authenticity. Our inventory includes rare vintages, regional specialties, and everyday drinking wines across all price points. Each bottle undergoes rigorous tasting to ensure it represents its origin and style accurately.
Tasting Events
Regularly scheduled tastings explore wine regions, varietals, and seasonal selections. Events feature expert-led discussions, food pairings, and opportunities to discover both classic and emerging wine producers. Themes range from educational masterclasses to casual sampling sessions.
Private Tastings
Tailored wine experiences for groups, including corporate events and private celebrations. We create bespoke tastings with themed selections, professional guidance, and optional food pairings. Services include venue setup, glassware provision, and detailed tasting notes.
Wine Delivery
Nationwide delivery service with free shipping on orders over 175. Local Brighton & Hove customers enjoy same-day or next-day delivery options. We ensure secure packaging and temperature-controlled storage for all wine shipments.
Wine Education
Educational programs covering wine regions, production methods, and tasting techniques. Our WSET-certified staff provides structured learning experiences for both beginners and advanced enthusiasts, focusing on practical knowledge application.
People
Toby Peirce
Founder
Founded Quaff Fine Wine Merchant Fine Wine Merchant in 2005 after a cricket career in South Africa sparked his wine passion. Oversees wine selection and business strategy with extensive industry experience.
Matt Smith
Wine Specialist
Joined in 2013 with prior experience at London's Hedonism wine shop. Manages customer relations and contributes to wine selection with specialist knowledge of European vineyards.
Sam Denyer
Store Manager
Transitioned from part-time retail to Fiveways store manager. Holds WSET qualifications and coordinates tasting events while managing daily operations.
Felix Lehmann
Wine Advisor
Industry veteran since the 2000s with Majestic Wine background. Provides expert guidance and supports staff training with deep knowledge of wine production and retail.
Maxim Taite-Ellis
Tasting Host
Recent addition with full WSET certification. Specializes in hosting educational tastings and introducing customers to emerging wine regions and varietals.
Questions
What delivery options are available?
We offer free local delivery in Brighton & Hove for orders over £25 and nationwide shipping with free options for orders above £175.
Do you host private events?
Yes, we organise bespoke wine tastings for groups from 8 people upwards, including corporate events and private celebrations at our venues or yours.
How are wines selected?
Our team tastes extensively to find authentic wines that represent their region and style, prioritising quality and producer craftsmanship over trends.
Are tasting events educational?
Our events combine expert-led instruction with practical tasting experiences covering wine regions, production methods, and pairing techniques.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit/debit cards, contactless payments, and cash in-store. Online payments use secure card processing.
Can I return unopened wine?
Unopened wines may be returned within 14 days with proof of purchase, subject to our full returns policy terms.
Reviews (7)
Phil T.
Feb 25, 2021
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I've just moved to the area and asked the sales assistant to find me a bottle of Champagne up to 50 that was rich and full. I must say, this gentleman knows his stuff. An outstanding bottle of wine and just what I was looking for. Cheers! I'll be back for more.
Alice Cavell Barrett
Nov 06, 2020
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Incredibly efficient service: ordered, gift wrapped and delivered all within one day. Really appreciated both this and how helpful and polite Toby was.
Warma Traveller
Sep 06, 2020
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Not a local but wanted a gift voucher for Hove friends. Chose QuaffWine because of good reviews. Wasnt disappointed. Thanks Fabian for sorting out the voucher over the phone at a very busy time. Friends are very pleased with their choices and delivery service.
Leslie Rudyk
Jun 19, 2020
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Ordered this morning, delivered this afternoon. That on top of a great selection of quality wines, who could ask for more? Thank you!
Wheeler Caroline
Apr 04, 2020
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Ordered three bottles last night and they arrived this afternoon! so impressed right now. can not wait to enjoy over the weekend and Easter. perfect service!
Paul Mitchell
Oct 22, 2019
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Excellent range of wines and good advice. They have their own beers in cans! You can also get hot drinks during the day!
Lliam Findlay
Oct 03, 2018
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Great selection of local and imported wines, spirits and beer. Staff are super friendly and will help you find what you need. Good specials as well when you need something more affordable.
