A WINE shop that opened in Salisbury less than a year ago has been recognised with a  prestigious award.

The Artisan Wine and Spirit Co was crowned Newcomer of the Year at the Drinks Retailing Awards last week, and owners Liz Coombes and Simon Hill are still celebrating the win.

The pair opened the store along Winchester Street in May last year, bringing a combined 50 years’ experience and knowledge of wine to the city.

After applying, facing a mystery shopper assessment and interviews, Liz and Simon secured the accolade, shortlisted against two other businesses.

Liz told the Journal: “We would have been gutted to not win but we felt the cards were stacked against us, and then we won!”

“To be the best is pretty hardcore,” Simon added, “we know what’s good and what is not, we know what works.”

The ceremony was held at The Dorchester in London on Tuesday, March 22, and Liz and Simon have since returned with their award.

Back to reality, the pair says Artisan Wine is all about offering customers “premium products of the best quality”, and “amazing customer service”.

Simon said: “We know our supply and we’re experienced enough to know best value for money. While we’re different and a bit pricier than your supermarket wines we won’t be beaten on quality.”

When asked what keeps customers coming back, Liz said: “We always stand out in wanting to give that warm and friendly feel.

“We’re always welcoming, as sometimes it can be quite intimidating entering a wine shop, we play good music, you can come have a chat and even a drink with us.”

“It’s so nice to see people try us and then come back again and again, this is testament to doing something right,” Simon added.

“If they didn’t come back then we know there is a problem, but we’ve got such good customers and regulars, and we’ve received such amazing feedback.

“We’ve been told Salisbury is lucky to have us.”

A business fully immersed in the community, Artisan Wine regularly collaborates with other businesses and events in the city, and is now looking forward to competing for regional awards.

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