ABOUT US

AlcoMap was born from a desire to help people support local businesses and have fun doing it.

From a young age (probably too young), I've been having a love affair with wine and spirits from around the globe. Every holiday must involve at least one full day of alcotourism and the rest of the trip is dedicated to enjoying the local bars and restaurants .

The arrival of Covid and the rise of big nasty multinational corporations, has turned my mind to more meaningful consumption and thinking about how I can support small UK businesses. As large companies further consolidate and increase market share, we now, more than ever, need to support our neighbours and champion local produce.

Their uniqueness and individuality is the life blood of the alcohol sector - they innovate, they produce rarities, every bottle comes with a story and is created with passion. It's rarely about making megabucks; it's about doing something personal and meaningful, and this is something, as consumers, we should treasure and do our best to protect.

The future of these small businesses depends on our custom. It is as simple as buying a few bottles from your local producer to drink yourself, or to give as a present with a story behind it. Perhaps you want a day trip out and decide to visit a local vineyard and do a tasting and learn about what is happening, hidden, on your doorstep. Maybe you are staycationing this year and want to finally get around to seeing a bit more of the UK, and what better way to structure it, than around a few vineyard and distillery tours. All of these approaches puts money in the hands of our alcohol sector and can help it to survive, and grow.

The UK is rarely thought of as a top alcohol destination, but there is so much to see, and drink, on our fair shores. More vineyards than you could possible imagine, producing some the world's finest sparkling wines and beautiful still wines using unusual grape varieties. Countless gin distilleries, showcasing local botanicals in terroir-style fashion. And of course, whisky; from the big boys in Scotland to the artisans across the whole country, it is the crown jewel in the UK spirits market and second to none on the international stage.

Most importantly, this is about fun and what could possible be more fun than a bit of UK Alcotourism? Finding and meeting alcohol producers, and at the same time, helping to support the domestic alcohol sector - has there ever been a more win-win situation? I think not.

I hope you enjoy my website and it provides you with the tools you need to plan your UK Wine and Spirits adventure, however big or small that maybe.

Cheers!

Richard

p.s. always drink responsibly!

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