He may be one of Britain’s best-loved pop stars, but Gary Barlow‘s wine company has hit a bum note with private-members’ clubs.
For having persuaded supermarkets Tesco and Morrisons to sell his £8-a-pop bottles, the Take That frontman has had less success placing them in London‘s West End.
The Daily Mail can reveal that wholesalers acting for Gary Barlow Wines tried to woo a series of bosses at several £200,000-a-year private-members’ clubs into stocking the wine – but feedback was less than complimentary.
One exasperated Mayfair boss who spoke to this newspaper on condition of anonymity said it was ‘not good quality’ and suggested Barlow ‘stick to singing’.
They said: ‘Our members include A-listers, the business elite, artists and stars from sport and showbiz.
‘They typically spend between £50 and £500 on a bottle of wine depending on the size of wallet.
‘We would not stock a wine you can buy for just a few pounds in Tesco – alongside one of Mr Barlow’s albums.’
While celebrities once clamoured for a perfume line, a number have forayed into the wine industry.
He may be one of Britain’s best-loved pop stars, but Gary Barlow’s wine company has hit a bum note with private-members’ clubs
Coleen Rooney and Gary Barlow attend the launch of Gary Barlow Wines new Organic Sauvignon Blanc and Blush at Harvey Nichols on July 04, 2023
Barlow’s creations – such as a Sauvignon Blush selling for £8.25 at Tesco – can be found on shelves alongside other celebrity brands, including from Sarah Jessica Parker, Kylie Minogue and Cara Delevingne.
Reviews posted on the Tesco website reveal a mixed bag of verdicts on the star’s organic range.
A one-star review posted earlier this month stated: ‘Bought this for my husband who loves his red wine but hadn’t tried it before.
He reliably informs me that it is the worst wine he has tasted. “Very bitter with no depth.” Back to the drawing board Gary.’
But one five-star review said: ‘Not only am I a fan of Mr Barlow in Take That. I’m now a fan of his wine. A lovely Malbec. I would even buy if not on offer.’
Barlow, 54, started the wine range in 2021, saying at the time: ‘After months of learning about the process and tasting different blends, I’m very proud to now launch my own range.’
The star also fronts ITVX show Gary Barlow’s Wine Tour, in which he travels the world sampling top wines.
Gary Barlow Wines was contacted for comment.
