Old Chapel Cellars is known for pushing the boundaries of the wine industry; the Truro-based wine merchant was the first in the UK to achieve B Corp status back in 2022 and followed this with a string of accolades, including being named ‘Highest Climber’ in the Harpers Wine & Spirits round-up of the 50 Best Indies for 2024.
Now the small independent merchant has been named exclusive Cornish distributor for a brand-new range of innovative canned wines from Italy; the three wines of The Copper Crew are all organic, vegan-friendly, and made using grapes from a sustainably run family wine estate in Puglia.
The Copper Crew was founded by two friends, Oli and Theo, who wanted to bring new levels of freshness, quality, and sustainability to the wine market while celebrating the historic grape varieties of regions like Puglia, which has a rich and unique food and wine culture.
The range features a Fiano white wine, a Rosato blend, and a Negroamaro red wine, made with organically-grown grapes from Tenuta Viglione – an estate founded in 1937 and located on the southern heel of Italy.
Old Chapel already stock wines from The Copper Crew partners Canned Wine Co. and English sparkling wines in can by The Uncommon, as well as 0.5% bubbles from Cornwall-based ‘no-lo’ brand, Wild Life Botanicals, making them a prominent early mover in the growing canned wine market.
Louisa Fitzpatrick, Co-Owner of Old Chapel Cellars, said: “We are delighted to be Cornwall’s distributor for The Copper Crew. As a B-Corp we’re passionate about alternative formats, not least because of the sustainability factor – canned wine uses significantly less carbon in transportation.”
She added: “However, the wines we’re seeing in this format are also stand-out choices in their own right, with all the nuance and sense of place you’d hope for in a really good traditional bottle. Canning is a refreshing innovation for the wine business and one we’re very happy to get behind.”
Louisa also believes that canned wines are perfect for the Cornish lifestyle, especially in summertime.
She says: “Whether you’re heading to a festival, a beach barbecue, or for an after-work walk or paddle, grabbing a couple of cans to share with friends feels like a special treat worthy of the great Cornish outdoors.”
Old Chapel Cellars also offer wine refills at their Truro wine shop; simply buy one of their litre starter bottles and refill as you please.
Louisa’s fellow Co-Owner Jamie Tonkin explains: “Wine refills are another way in which we’re reducing our environmental impact while offering our customers a really great product. The service is very popular and it’s heartening to see people embracing these new formats without hesitation.”
Old Chapel Cellars has a retail shop on St Clement Street in Truro, an online shop, supplies many hospitality businesses throughout Cornwall, and the team also host regular events and tastings. To find out more visit www.oldchapelcellars.co.uk
