Well, it’s all go in Summertown at the moment. Portabello is becoming Pompette (more on that very soon), Oxford Kitchen won a Michelin star, and now new wine shop, Grape Minds, is set to open on South Parade.

Michael Jelley and Graeme Woodward have been working together at Majestic Wine in North Oxford for the past two years, with Graeme working there for a further four. The wine-loving pair is now launching their own independent wine shop at 35 South Parade.

The duo isn’t just sticking a toe in either, with a ten-year lease they’re planning to be around for some time.

The shop is set to open at the end of November, around the 23rd or 30th, and will run as a popup until Christmas, closing for a couple of weeks in the new year to redecorate before reopening in full. The building has its own cellar – perfect for wine – and a room at the rear which will be devoted to regular tasting events.

Expect a full stock of wines, interesting gins and craft beers, including plenty of local producers like West Berkshire Brewery, Old Hooky, Cotswold Gin, TOAD, White Horse Brewery and Loose Cannon. The wine will be broad-ranging, not just biodynamic and organic, not just fine wine, not just value wine – “if we like it, then it’s in” says Michael.

They have no plans to sell on trade as a bar or serve food, the focus is purely on retail, more to follow.

Grape Minds
35 South Parade Oxford OX2 7JN
Facebook: /grapemindsdrinkalike
Twitter: @grape_minds
Instagram: /grapemindsoxford