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I finally got time to interview Stuart Rothwell of The Vineyard on Silver Street in Ramsbottom. Stuart was actually the first interview outside of the “studio” and I thoroughly enjoyed a change of scenery, so much so my next interview just a few days later was in Nutall Park.
Stuart has lots of knowledge about the area and has been in the wine business for over 15 years. He has a true love of wine and really know’s his customers by name.
A few times I’d popped into The Vineyard to let him know that I still wanted to interview him, but in all honesty, I was a bit nervous about leaving the “safety” of the studio and I wasn’t sure what the quality of the audio would be. I didn’t want to waste someone’s time, especially someone who has a business to run, but after a few tests using my field mic, I was happy with the results and confident I could do Stuart justice.
When I first entered the shop for the interview, he was just chatting to one of his regulars, I politely waited but was quickly involved in the conversation, this friendly atmosphere is exactly why I moved to Ramsbottom and what I love about the place.
A little bit through the interview, another customer entered the shop and the chemistry between Stuart and this customer was obvious, he clearly puts a lot of effort into his customers and can recommend wine’s that they would truly love.
This is one aspect you’re unlikely to get from a supermarket, they are too busy and have too much going on to be able to know the wines and customers as well as the customers deserve and this is where Stuart excels.
Stuart arranges several events in Ramsbottom; the main being a “wine-dering” tour. This is a local walk around the local businesses who each have a different wine to sample and they will be open to sell you anything they have, or chat about their business.
Thanks to Stuart for letting me crash in the front of his shop for 20 or so minutes, it was great fun (for me at least).
Links: http://www.thevineyardwineshop.co.uk
