Our Story: A Passion Project, 30 Years in the Making
Thanks for taking the time to discover the passion behind Team Hic! - Michelle & Andy.
Our story began not in a vineyard, but in the heart of hospitality. Andy spent his formative years working front-of-house in some of the country’s smartest establishments. It was during this time that he saw a growing appetite for genuine quality and originality in wine that wasn't being met by high-street stores.
In the mid-1990s, Andy embarked on a mission to change that, establishing his first wine retail venture. This led to the creation of Hic! Wine Merchants in 2004, operating from the family home he shares with his partner, Michelle, in the picturesque village of Ledston.
The Hic! Philosophy: Authentic Wines, Genuine People
Our philosophy is rooted in personal connection and uncompromising quality.
We work exclusively with a select number of specialist importers to bring you interesting, expertly-made wines that were once only available to hotels and restaurants. This means you gain direct access to bottles that truly stand out.
The majority of wines on our shelves are sourced from family-owned producers. Our selection criteria weigh heavily on their values:
- Authenticity and individuality in their wines.
- A deep respect for the land and sustainable vinification practices.
- A passion for their traditions, ensuring every bottle tells a story.
We are proud to champion these small, dedicated growers through both our website and our retail shop.
The Hic! Experience: Online Convenience, In-Store Charm
While our online store makes our range accessible across the country, we pride ourselves on delivering an outstanding, bespoke customer service experience that only an independent merchant can offer. We want you to be confident and happy, and we are always on hand should you need expert advice.
Visit Our Oasis in West Yorkshire
Our “real” retail shop is located in Ledston, on the outskirts of Leeds. If you choose to make the pilgrimage, you will find a carefully curated, focused range of quality wines, champagne, spirits, and malt whiskies that you simply won't encounter on the high street.
We offer several unique ways to enjoy Hic! in person:
- Taste & Take Home: Feel free to grab a seat in our courtyard! We offer a range of wines by the glass, or you can open any bottle from our shelves for an additional flat corkage rate of just £8.00.
- The Enomatic Experience: Our in-store Enomatic Machine allows us to host bespoke, themed wine tasting sessions for individual parties and groups, perfect for events or special occasions.
- Click & Collect: Our physical shop provides a handy staging post for those customers who prefer to collect their online orders in person.
We are truly grateful for your visit. Whether we meet in our humble abode or across the world-wide-web, we look forward to sharing a great bottle with you.
Cheers!
Andy & Michelle
Team Hic!
