RD Wines History

The beginning...

Rodney Densem Wines was founded in 1972 by Rodney and Margie Densem, initially operating from a small warehouse (previously a cowshed!) just outside Nantwich.

Rodney was a trainee manager at Marks and Spencer and at a young age managed the successful hotel and popular event venue at Alvaston Hall Hotel with his wife Margie. The wine company was originally an offshoot of the hotel and restaurant business and soon adopted the maxim "surely quality is of the utmost importance".

After a few years the family business expanded and Margie opened a retail shop located in Church lane, Nantwich. Going from strength to strength in 1981 the shop moved to a larger more prominent premises. The shop has won and continues to win many accolades including UK Independent Specialist of the Year. Located on Pillory Street in the centre of the beautiful market town of Nantwich the shop has become a destination hosting regular tastings, and having a fabulous selection of gifts, wines and spirits.

Rodney Densem Wines wholesale, shipping and agency business managed by Rodney moved to Regent House, Crewe in April 1998. Steve Leonard, previously at Classic Wine and Spirits and HM Customs and Excise joined the management team in May, 2000. He soon took over general operations and was pivotal in successfully initiating and acquiring several wine businesses including Telford Wines and Bretbury Wines.

In December 2013 the founder and chairman Rodney Densem tragically died. Shortly afterwards his son Simon Densem, previously an equity analyst at UBS Investment bank joined the management team.

In Autumn 2017 a 42,000sqft warehouse, office and distribution site was acquired at Halesfied 10, Telford. Situated on 4 acres within the industrial/office park the warehouse provides the newly renamed RD Wines the opportunity to expand well into the future. Rodney Densem Wines fully acquired Telford Wines and the companies were successfully restructured, merged and operate under the new name, RD Wines Ltd from Halesfield 10, Telford. The retail unit retains the Rodney Densem Wines name.

More recently...

We retain our founders key core values "surely quality is of the utmost importance". Quality service and product remain key.

The objective is to grow RD Wines organically, through strategic partnership and acquisition. Most importantly, we have the team to do it!

Steve Leonard is a shareholder and heads the management team. The Densem family maintain a key interest in the day to day operations and strategy of the group.