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Darren Willis: ‘Looking Back, Forging Ahead’

Published: 04 September, 2026

The owner of Bristol-based indie merchant Grape & Grind talks about the excitement of discovering new wines (especially in central and eastern Europe), upgrading his online business and the familiar pressures of geopolitics.

Meet the Buyers: Darren Willis, owner, Grape & Grind

Published: 03 January, 2018

Like many professionals working in the trade, a career in wine was never part of the original plan – I studied mechanical engineering at university, graduating in 1997. Yet after completing a WSET course in London, I applied for a position at Harvey Nichols in 2001. I soon fell in love with both the people and subject, a passion that endures today.

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