We introduce you to LGBT independent business Le Social Wine

The rise of independent businesses in Manchester may be one of the few positives coming out of the past 18 months. Whether out of necessity or as a way to seize new opportunities, it’s been a fascinating time to watch established and new businesses pivot and reinvent the way we shop.

Founded a couple months after the start of the first lockdown, sustainable and organic wine company Le Social has grown exponentially since they first started taking orders through their Instagram page. Gay, French Director Jérôme Boullier (he/him) recalls: “I was home on furlough and started Le Social as a wine bike delivery service, straight to people’s home in Manchester. Back then the rules were really strict, and sometimes I would be the only visitor a customer would see in a few days. I quickly realised that, rather than just a business, we were building a true community of people sharing similar interest in wine, food and wellbeing. All profits at the time went to support Rainbow Noir, a local organisation which celebrates and platforms people of colour who identify as LGBTQI+.”

In August 2020 Le Social moved to Pollard Yard, a co-working space consisting of 100+ shipping containers along the Ashton Canal in Ancoats. The online shop launched with a focus on organic and natural wines, while offering local and national deliveries. “We focus on wines that make a true difference to the life of the people who make it, ship it and drink it. We want to represent a diversity of wines and producers, and we make a point of highlighting queer and female winemakers as much as possible. Representation in the wine industry is ongoing issue, and if we can help change that even at our own scale then we will.”  comments Jerome.

Fast track a year later and Le Social’s website boasts 150+ unique and hard to find wines, some of which are now listed in bars, restaurants and specialist retailers in the region. Wine tastings and events are regularly hosted at their Pollard Yard unit or in collaboration with other local businesses.

But what does the future hold for Le Social? we asked Jérôme: “We are still living unprecedented times with very limited view on how the coming months will look like – we have now found a balance between the shop, the wholesale and our events, and this versatility has helped us navigate through all the uncertainty so far. Our goal is to move everything we do under one big roof, bringing wine, food, art and more together. We will soon announce a month-long bar residency in a space in town, with a totally unique offering and a series of events culminating with Pride weekend. Exciting times!”

Le Social wines can be purchased on www.le-social.com – Same or Next day delivery.

ALSO, WE ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THAT YOU CAN ENJOY A 10% DISCOUNT WHEN YOU USE THE UNIQUE CANAL ST CARD CODE.

Follow @le_social_wine on Instagram, FB, Twitter and LinkedIn or join their newsletter to be the first to know about exclusive offers, events and more.

Published: 11-Jul-2021: (6278)