Arth Wine

I just found my new favourite wine shop. Arth Wines is a haven for dipsomaniacs, offering a spectacular range of wines, champagnes, cider and beer (even Yankee brews like Sam Adams are sold here, much to my delight).
I spent nearly 20 minutes chatting to owner Richard and hearing the refurbishment plans for his shop, which is conveniently positioned just outside the Penarth Railway station. I even got the grand tour, sidestepping the boxes and dust to get a peek at the back room which will soon house the extensive red wine selection.
The prices are really reasonable, especially for a specialty wine shop. Richard explained he cuts out the middleman by buying directly from the vineyards, which allows him to keep his prices down.
Don’t let the minor state of disarray put you off — Arth Wines is undergoing a transformation, which includes extending the back wall, adding a series of doors to the front of the shop, as well as adding extra cooling sections for the wines and champagnes.
In the New Year, Arth Wines will boast several taster machines, which will enable customers to stop in and sample a range of 30 or so wines at any time, a try-​before-​you buy idea that he says is «the exact opposite to the supermarkets».
These dispensing machines keep opened bottles fresh by replacing the air with inert gas nitrogen (keeping the wines away from oxygen prevents oxidation and eventual spoilage). He feels people shouldn’t have to spend £100 to try 10 types of wine, many of which may not be suited to their tastes.
I want to bring a few bottles of wine back for family and friends in the States, so I’m definitely going to stop by when I have my car. I can tell it’s going to be a worthwhile, if expensive, excursion, judging from the spectacular ranges to be had here.