A real gem. This must rate as not only one of the finest wine shops in Yorkshire but also the country. Great whiskies, sherries, ports, madeiras, and some great wine accessories such as glasses, decanters, corkscrews too
The real difference here is the hands-on approach - wines are very carefully selected by its manager, Andy, who won't stock anything he isn't happy with or which are found in obvious places like supermarkets. So you won't find Jacob's Creek or Blossom Hill here - instead there is a treasure trove of wine delights from around the world. The South African section is absolutely superb - so much so that HFW recently won South African Specialist of the year at the International Wine Challange, as well as being short-listed for best regional wine merchant. And rightly so - this shop has been quietly getting on with it for a few years now.
Don't start thinking it's simply a shop for connoisseurs with loads of money - there are plenty of bargains to be had at the lower end of the budget range. Having said that you might find some vintage claret at over £100 a bottle and because this place is one of a kind and totally independent if you need some old vintage of a hard-to-find wine Andy will try and get it for you. Service like this is a very rare thing, but HFW has always tried to put customer service at the fore of what it has done for so long. You won't be fobbed off with something unsuitable and there is no way you'll be sold up to wine you don't want. If you need a bottle for a dinner party simply say what you are eating and the right recommendation wll be made. I have never been unsatisfied with anything I have bought from this shop.
What's more there are tasting events galore - from full blown dinners with wine makers (amazing value - I went to one which was £40 for 5 courses and as much wine as I could drink!) to portfolio tastings, to tutored tastings It goes on. If you like wine and enjoy hearing someone with a passion for it then this is a must visit. read more
