Wine is now part of our modern lifestyle like never before but despite it being so readily available, finding quality wines can be somewhat hit and miss. The arrival of a new wine shop on Station Approach in Penarth has ensured that, for one Penarth resident at least, quality wine is close to hand. Vale Life talks to Annie Blackburn about why, for her at least, Arth Wines is.

THE BEAR NECESSITY

How long have you been visiting Arth Wines?
Since it opened. I visited it in its previous incarnation as Wine-Rack so I already knew Sue the manager. I used to live just around the corner about a minute's walk away. When Wine-Rack shut I actually said to Sue wouldn't it be wonderful if someone came along and opened an independent wine shop or other business as it is such a prime location. Penarth has lost all its off licences in recent times and it seemed crazy that an area like Penarth didn't have a wine retailer/off licence.

Why do you shop there?
These days, supermarkets offer a limited range of different and interesting wines. The choices are limited and, generally, the wine is produced in massive quantities which definitely influences its quality. Richard is offering a range of great wines from smaller vineyards and suppliers that make choosing a bottle of wine a pleasure and sometimes a challenge. I know that the range of beers on offer is equally interesting.

Since Arth Wines opened I have seen how hard Richard is working to realise his vision for the business. Although the shop is still a work in progress it has a welcoming and surprising feel to it - it's a bit like a Tardis! I always know that whichever member of staff is on that I will receive a warm and friendly welcome. If I want help choosing a bottle of wine it is readily available but the staff are equally good at leaving me to peruse the shelves myself.

The range of wines offered at Arth Wines means that I can spend a little more and buy a bottle for a special occasion or find a reasonably priced and good quality wine at around £5 or just under. Finding somewhere to park is never a problem.

What is special about Arth Wines?
Richard has a particular vision for the business which he talks about with real passion. It has a really dynamic feel - it feels as though it is evolving and that that process will continue rather than the business becoming a once and for all entity.

What do you think of the name?
I'm getting used to it and I like the little bear logo. I know that Richard thought very carefully about the name and involved many of his customers in the choice by asking for suggestions. I suppose that says a lot about Richard - he's very customer focused and is always asking customers what they want from the business. I had numerous conversations with him about many of the options and why they might or might not work. I realised through the process how hard it is to choose a name for a business and particularly for a business selling wine, spirits and beer. I wasn't sure about the final choice to begin with, but some weeks on, as I'm now getting used to it, it has a unique feel about it and has a more robust sound than some of the suggested names.

Arth Wines Old Masonic Buildings Station Approach Penarth CF64 3EE 029 2070 1091 Opening Hours Monday to Thursday 10am - 8pm Friday and Saturday 10am - 10pm Sunday (currently) 4pm - 8pm