MEMBERS of the Stour United Businesses (SUBs) found that wine is a serious business at a recent meeting.

Nicky Jarrett of Sheldon’s Wines, in Shipston, went through the different soils, the climates, the grape varieties, the production processes, the glasses to drink from and even the labels on the bottles to show why wine is more than just a drink.

The company, based in New Street, hosted one of the group’s regular members’ meetings last week in its courtyard, which has been recently opened for coffee, light meals and wine.

During the evening members were taken on a wine-tasting journey and saw demonstrations on how to get the best out of a glass.

Dale Packer, manager of Sheldon’s, also spoke of the recent difficult trading period and said the shop had been holding steady.

SUBs chairman Tina Cook said at the meeting: “Evenings such as this, hosted by local businesses, allow business people to mingle together in a friendly social gathering.

“It’s so easy for people working hard in their own businesses to feel isolated.

You’re not alone. We’re here.”