2000-2007
The Journey Begins
In 2000, Ralph's passion for wine truly began when he graduated from university and worked at a wine merchant's in Oxford , before moving on to marketing jobs. Fast forward to 2007, Ralph and his wife head to the Loire Valley to explore vineyards and the world of wine.
2008
Ralph Tours Spain
In 2008, Ralph goes on a mission to Madrid with his parents to meet some vineyard owners. They drove to Ribera del Duero, where they met Alberto from Bodegas Vizar who then introduced Ralph to the vineyard Pagos de Penafiel. On his return, he started importing from both.
2008 - 2009
Founding A Business
The first shipment of wine arrives in the UK on the 13th October 2008, in the midst of the financial crash. Still working at his sales job, Ralph broke and dislocated his ankle. Unable to work, he decided to quit his job, build a website, and sell some wine. By February of 2009, Ralph decided to take on the business full time.
2009 - 2014
Growing A Business
Business started slowly, picking up only a couple of wine bars within London. Things only started to really move when Ralph started supplying Tom Kerridge's two michelin-star restaurant, The Hand And Flowers in Marlow. With more frequent visits to Spain, Ralph's portfolio grew from only 6 wines to 100 by 2014
2014 - 2016
Ralph's Wine Cellar Opens
Ralph continued to work from home until the arrival of his daughter, Sophia, to whom he had to surrender his office. The hunt for the shop began! In 2015, Ralph signed a lease on Whitton High Street. With just 6 weeks to renovate, Ralph's Wine Cellar debuted on 12th February 2016.
Our Team
Ralph Smith
Owner
The inimitable Ralph has taught each team member all they know. The breadth of his wine knowledge is astonishing and he can answer any question you might have. With more than 20 years of experience with wine, and having tried every bottle on our shelves, you will be floored by what this man can teach you.
Jack Cockayne
Supervisor
Jack is our longest-serving member of the team and with over 4 years of experience, he should really know his stuff! He can help with wines and beers but his biggest love is with cheese, and he has personally selected many of our favourites. Know what you love or want to try something new? Jack's your man.
Phillip Garcia
Supervisor
If you need an expert in red wines, look no further! Phillip will make sure that you find exactly what you're looking for. Whether you want a full-bodied Bordeaux or a lighter and peppery Burgundy, he'll able to help you. He also has a passion for food, so ask him for some impressive pairings.
Lucy Allan
Supervisor
Lucy is the newest member to join our team! They love experimenting in the kitchen, especially in baking and has made some delightful things using the goodies we sell. They've also been trying plenty of our beers, so if you're after a classic lager or something slightly strange, they'll help you find the perfect brew for your mood.
TASTINGS & EVENTS
We hold regular wine and cheese tasting evenings and have a few tables for you to enjoy and explore a range of wines by the glass with a menu offering charcuterie and cheese platters, plus our very popular cheese toasty!
Selected Wines
Explore our range of sunny Australian wines!
Some Young Punks 'Passion Has Red Lips' Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon
£16.50
Some Young Punks 'The Squid's Fist' Sangiovese Shiraz
£18.99
Selected Cheese
Explore our selection of scrumptious cheese. Phone orders only on 0208 894 0510.
Product Categories
Ralph's Wine Cellar & Delicatessen
78 High Street Whitton
Twickenham, TW2 7LS
020 8894 0510
Whitton@ralphswinecellar.com
MONDAY 12noon - 8PM
TUESDAY 11AM – 9PM
WEDNESDAY 11AM – 9PM
THURSDAY 11AM – 9PM
FRIDAY 10AM – 10PM
SATURDAY 9AM – 10PM
SUNDAY 10AM – 6PM
Ralph's Wines Annual Portfolio Tasting
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