Mums' dream business brings fine wines to the doorstep

Polly Keen, 42, and Helen Barnes, 35, became friends when their first sons, Harrison and Henry, were born 10 years ago.

As their families have grown, the pair have developed their palates and learnt how to discern and identify the taste, texture and aroma of wines from various countries.

Polly and Helen with their children Harrison, Grayson, Clarence and Henry (Image: Pollen Wines)

“Between us, we’ve built up our knowledge of wine through tasting events, networking and visiting vineyards across the world,” said Polly, from Holmes Chapel.

“For 10 years we’ve talked about setting up a business and then we had a lightbulb moment. We looked at each other and said: ‘That’s it!’

“We thought now is the time to do something for ourselves.”

The mums spotted a gap in the local fine wine market and set up Pollen Wines to provide a home delivery service.

Polly and Helen are committed to 'only offering the best wines' (Image: Pollen Wines)

“We are committed to only offering the best wines for our monthly boxes, which we have personally sourced, tasted and curated,” said Polly.

“Every box we put together has a guaranteed saving on the recommended retail price.

“You can’t get these wines in a supermarket.

“This is for people who want something a bit different. We want to open their eyes.”

Polly, who worked in event management, lived in Australia with husband, Brad, for a year, as they developed their wine expertise together.

Polly and Brad with sons Harrison, 10, and Grayson, eight (Image: Pollen Wines)

“We went to so many wineries and learnt a lot,” said Polly. “You get a palette.”

Former marketing manager Helen, whose husband Martin has gained wine qualifications, said: “We wanted to take the guesswork out of great wines.

Helen and Martin with sons Henry, 10, and Clarence, eight (Image: Pollen Wines)

“We include lesser known grapes to introduce our customers to something new.”

The couples socialise together and share the joy of constantly discovering new wines.

“When we go out for a meal we will spend £40 on a bottle of wine,” said Polly. “It’s an occasion.”

“We just appreciate fine wines and know what is good.”

The mums now work with seven suppliers and carry out painstaking research before placing orders.

“We taste every wine before we select it for our boxes,” said Polly.

“Because we buy in bulk, we can offer wines that would usually be around £20 a bottle.”

'We package the wine beautifully with different coloured tissue paper' (Image: Pollen Wines)

Boxes of six mixed wines are offered every month for £70, on a first come, first served basis.

There are no sign-up fees or subscriptions.

Wines have sold out every month since the business was launched in November.

“We package the wine beautifully with different coloured tissue paper,” said Polly.

“We include tasting notes. We love adding extra personal touches.

“We want each box to be exciting because we completely believe in our product and want to pass that excitement on.”

Brad, Polly, Helen and Martin with children Harrison, Grayson, Henry and Clarence (Image: Pollen Wines)

The mums package the wines at home and personally deliver every box to each customer’s front door, as they expand their business to Knutsford, Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich.

“The response has been really good,” said Polly. “We’ve both invested in it and would love it to continue to grow.

“We discuss or business as we take our children to school.

“If we can make enough money to pay for a family holiday with the kids, that will be amazing,” said Polly.

“We think we are really lucky to be able to do this.

“Not everyone is in a position to be able to follow their dream.”

To find out more visit pollenwines.co.uk