GrapePip.com looks to increase buyer platform

By Carol Emmas

Published: 03 July, 2013

GrapePip.com "the eBay of the wine world" is looking to increase its buyer platform after seeing a demand from merchants to ease the pressure on their cellars.

Three months after its launch, the wine auction website, which aims to connect the overstocked trade with the consumer, has seen 14 top UK merchants sign up to become approved vendors and list lots on a regular basis.

Co-founder Victoria Bowes said that with an impressive list of vendors on board, its attention will now shift to buyers. "To date we have just over 200 buyers registered but in order to generate the thrill of the auction, we're on a mission to quadruple this number in the months to come," she added.

In order to list on its site merchants must demonstrate their wine's provenance. Once approved, the wine lots are displayed anonymously to protect the identity of the merchant. GrapePip handles the sale, logistics and delivery of any sold lots.

Lots ending soon include a 12-bottle case of Château Laforge 2010, at a starting bid of £195.00, Etienne Sauzet Bourgogne Blanc 2010 and a starting bid of £600.00 for a Jacquart Brut Mosaique Nebuchadnezzar.

Co-founder Caspar Bowes said: "I always had confidence in GrapePip and was certain there would be demand from merchants. But to have received such a flurry of interest from traders has really proved my point.

"Everyone I've spoken to so far has loved the concept and welcomes the anonymity that GrapePip provides. They can all see the potential for GrapePip to change the way wine is traded during these difficult economic times."

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