How do you look back on the last trading year - what have been the big breakthroughs for you as a business?
It’s been a year of resilience and perseverance. Despite industry-wide challenges, we have worked hard to reinforce our producer relationships with customers as well as expand our customer base. The demand for wines with authenticity and strong provenance continues to grow, playing directly to our strengths. Our ability to manage stock—both current and museum vintages—has been a key strength, and our team remains high-performing and driven.
What have been the hardest challenges and how are you overcoming them?
The MMD team are ready for next week's portfolio tasting at The Royal College of Surgeons in London on March 11
Economic uncertainty and shifting regulations remain hurdles, but we’ve stayed ahead by being adaptable, agile and strategic. The correction the global fine wine investment market is experiencing clearly presents a challenge as does the accelerated evolution of other sectors of the market. Our mission is to keep pace with change and find new ways to promote and distribute some of the best wines in the world.
We’ve doubled down on our commitment to quality and provenance, and excellent customer service and support; as well as striving to deliver best in class - not only in our wines, but also in our execution, insight, and expertise.
What steps have you made in light of the new duty changes?
The introduction of the the new duty regimen was hugely disappointing and an unnecessary drain on resource, but we have tackled it head-on. Our team has worked tirelessly both in-house and with our producers and customers to ensure a smooth transition and mitigate disruption. Transparency and clear communication have been key. While the changes add complexity, we’re looking forward, not back.
How are you handling the rollout of EPR in the business and what changes are you having to make?
Sustainability is a priority, and EPR is another step toward a more responsible industry. In anticipation of definitive clarity on cost implications, we are liaising closely with suppliers to ensure future compliance and minimise any additional administrative burden. More than ever, we’re focused on encouraging our producers to explore packaging solutions and supply chain efficiencies to align with both regulatory needs and our own sustainability goals.
What do you see as the big opportunities for the business for the year ahead?
Great wines that deliver at their price point will always win, and our portfolio offers. The opportunity and focus of the next 12 months will be growing our footprint, exploring new channels, and supporting our producers in an evolving market. The contest for market share continues, but with the backing of our principals and our commitment to the values that we’ve held for decades, we’re positioned for success.
Tell us about your upcoming tasting and what people can expect?
MMD will be holding a rosé masterclass from Domaine Ott as part of its March 11 tasting
Our annual portfolio tasting is always a highlight of the year, and 2025 will be no exception. It’s a celebration of MMD’s portfolio of iconic wine producers from around the world, and guests will have the chance to taste 150 wines from 29 producers and estates, including Cristal 2016 from Champagne Louis Roederer; Ornellaia 2022 ‘La Determinazione’; single vineyard Barolo and Amarone and two extraordinary 2011s – Diamond Creek Red Rock Terrace and the legendary Castillo Ygay from Marques de Murrieta.
It’s an opportunity to connect with the people behind the wines and experience firsthand why MMD remains a leader in Fine Wine.
Are you introducing new wines and producers to the portfolio and if so can you pick out some highlights?
While we haven’t added any new producers in 2024 – the most recent being Mahi from New Zealand in 2023, we have an exciting lineup of new vintages. The latest Northern Rhône releases from Delas Frères are showstopping, as are the 2023s from Domaines Billaud-Simon and Faiveley.
From the new world, Meerlust continues to impress with consistently brilliant wines, and Merry Edwards delivers confident, expressive and gastronomic bottlings from Sonoma.
Are you hosting any masterclasses or sessions during the day?
We are very pleased to be holding a rosé masterclass at 11.30am with Jean-François Ott, the fourth-generation family winemaker of Domaines Ott. He’ll guide us through the complexity and ageability of the Domaines’ most prestigious rosés, including a vertical tasting of Clos Mireille, Château Romassan and Étoile. A rare and unmissable experience.
Who are you targeting the tasting at and hope to attract?
The MMD tasting is the chance to meet producers and taste the wines from across MMD's prestigious portoflio
We’re inviting those who shape the UK wine scene – MMD have customers in every channel and spread across the UK, so it really is a tasting for all those connected to the trade; from leading sommeliers and fine wine merchants to buyers, independent retailers, wholesalers, press, wine writers and industry thought-leaders.
Anything else to say?
Our portfolio tasting is a statement of intent. MMD UK is committed to bringing the very best wines from our collection of iconic producers to the UK market and supporting our partners with expertise and passion. If you care about fine wine, our tasting is a great place to start.
* You can find out more about MMD here.
* The MMD portoflio tasting takes place on March 11 between 10.30am – 16.30pm at The View, The Royal College of Surgeons, 38-43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE. To register email Jamie.patterson@mmdltd.co.uk.
