Independent alliance The Bunch gathered in London last week to showcase an ethos centred around quality, collaboration and wines that offer value – not just the top end. Here, Haynes Hanson & Clark’s buying director Siobhán Astbury explains why the group’s shared approach remains relevant more than 30 years after its foundation.

For Astbury, this year’s tasting at Fidelio Café Farringdon marked a step forward in how The Bunch presents itself to both press and trade, with a renewed focus on what journalists and buyers want from a trade tasting.

“We showcased ten wines each, all with their own story – it’s a simple formula, but it works. The tasting gives press and trade a really valuable opportunity. Last year, we were a bit disappointed by the turnout. This time, we really focused on giving people what they want and reminding them why this is such an important date in the diary. The response was really good, which is hugely reassuring,” Astbury said.

The Bunch – which currently comprises Corney & Barrow, Haynes Hanson & Clark, Lay & Wheeler, Tanners, Lea & Sandeman and Yapp Brothers – collectively showcased a total of 60 wines.

This, Astbury notes, makes the event “a really manageable tasting. You can taste everything if you want to, or just two or three wines per merchant and still get a clear picture.”

While each of the six merchants brings its own distinctive style and buying philosophy, there are shared threads that bind the group together.

One of these threads is affordability and a keen understanding of price point. The conscious decision to spotlight the accessible end of their portfolios feels particularly important in today’s climate.

“Especially at the moment, it’s about reminding people that independents like us are not just focusing on those who are prepared to spend £20 or more,” Astbury explained.

“Our bread and butter is the £10 to £20 mark – that’s where we really spend a lot of time seeking out fantastic wines for good prices.”

Shared values

Founded in 1993, The Bunch was established by a group of independent merchants which wanted to mark out a clear code of conduct around quality, provenance and customer service. For Astbury, that heritage is personal as well as professional, and is rooted in relationships such as her long-standing friendship with Laytons’ Graham Chidgey.

“Graham and I met when I first joined the trade, about 20 years ago. At the time he was working independently, working with growers particularly in Tuscany, to try and find them a route to the UK market. He helped me with finding a few new growers for our selection – a few of whom we still work with.

“Graham was very instrumental in setting up The Bunch, along with James Tanner, with the idea being centred around protecting quality of consumption for clients – from the horse’s mouth to the dinner table,” she recalled.

Membership is restricted to independently owned wine merchants. That means the mix of businesses represented has changed over the years. However, that natural evolution also forms part of what makes The Bunch distinctive.

“The values are the same today as they were in the 90s – quality of product, quality of service and direct relationships that build trust for both producers and customers,” Astbury said.

Camaraderie and collaboration

Despite being commercial rivals, The Bunch’s members share a genuine camaraderie.

“It’s very easy to communicate and understand each other,” Astbury said. “Of course we’re in competition, but we’re also great friends. Whether it’s advice on shipping issues or certification costs, we can share frustrations and solutions. There’s a real sense of being in it together.”

This alliance also helps sharpen the group’s USP in an increasingly crowded retail landscape. With persistent competition from large retailers, the group’s shared ethos is a way of focusing on what sets them apart.

“For us, that’s direct buying, careful selection and offering service that makes every customer feel valued – whether they’re spending £12 on a Malbec or £200 on a claret.”

For Astbury, the lesson of this year’s tasting is clear: independents cannot afford to be shy.

“As a company, Haynes Hanson & Clark is quite quiet, which is lovely in many ways. But flying the flag and getting more noise made about us – we deserve it. We’ve spent so much time sourcing fantastic wines and offering amazing service. Now it’s about making sure people know that,” she concluded.