Fylde coast wine expert aims to add fizz to bars

Silver Fox Wines is to be the county agent for the Glera grape from which is produced a single estate Frizzante sparkling wine.

Glera is better known for being the Prosecco grape and with the upsurge in demand for sparkling Italian white wines a new market for wine on tap is emerging.

Rowland Hayward, owner, of Silver Fox Wines said: “Glera (the Prosecco grape) is farmed at this 100 years old family run vineyard in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, the Prosecco region of Italy.

“With many bars now taking an interest in sparkling wine on tap for their customers, my job is to help them fully understand the product, its quality and the market. Our strength for the wholesale market, is that we import kegs of 24 litres, allowing Glera to be served on draught by the glass at bars, clubs and restaurants around Lancashire.”

Italy On Tap’s Glera is already available in a few mobile bars and venues in Lancashire, including The Continental and the Plungington in Preston and The Drummers Arms in Blackburn, where James Quayle said: “Glera has gone down a treat with our customers. It’s lightly sparkling and very easy to drink and full of flavour, so they love it. It’s also so easy for us to serve and is perfect in cocktails”.

Rowland Hayward founded Silver Fox wines in Cleveleys four years ago after working for an international wine company for four years. It offers a range of services including wine tastings.

He explained: “Tired of being pressured with hitting targets one year only for them to be raised the following year, I decided enough was enough and if I was to be under pressure it would be of my own making.”

Before working in the world of wine he owned two hotels in Blackpool, Marlow Lodge on Station Road and the Hotel Skye on New South Promenade. He was also chairman of Blackpool Private Hotels Association for two years before they amalgamated with Blackpool Guesthouse Association to form Stay Blackpool.