Mercure hotels is delighted to announce Susie Barrie and Peter Richards as the ambassadors for their new wine concept, Flavours from the Cellar.

The youngest married Masters of Wine and TV presenters are working with Mercure hotels in the UK to choose a selection of wines for Mercure's new wine offering, which will be rolled out across the 72 Mercure hotels in the UK from January 2015. This new concept, Flavours from the Cellar, offers a new and exclusive selection of locally inspired, quality and affordable wines to enhance the brand's offering. The experts have handpicked the wines available to suit the season, and provide an easy and affordable drinking experience to excite and inspire hotel guests. 

Susie and Peter have chosen three wines - one white and two red  – each exciting and unusual wines for each hotel's Flavours from the Cellar wine list. The three wines available across the new Flavours from the Cellar wine list have a unique story to tell.

The first wine is a white blend including Chardonnay, known as “The Portuguese Special One“ and is Portugal's answer to white Burgundy but at a fraction of the price.

The second is a South African red, which has an enthralling story. Made by two best friends – one South African, one English– who realised that their great grandfathers had led opposing armies in the Boer War and had been bitter enemies.

The final red chosen to complete the trio is the “Italian Stallion”, which is classy but wonderfully approachable – a decidedly new wave style that is something along the lines of Bordeaux meets Napa with a stylish Italian twist.

In addition to the three wines selected by Susie and Peter, there will also be a tailored and unique wine selection available on the menu at all the Mercure hotels. These will be individual to each hotel, as part of their locally inspired Flavours from the Cellar wine list. 

Commenting on the collaboration, Jonathan Sheard, SVP Operations Luxury, Upscale & Midscale Hotels, Accor UK & Ireland said: “We are very proud to be working with wine connoisseurs, Susie and Peter, who are well recognised and respected within the industry.  The launch of Flavours of the Cellar reflects part of our brand's DNA to connect people with places and all of the wines chosen hold a unique and interesting story.”

Susie and Peter said: “We are thrilled to be working with Mercure, who not only take their wine very seriously but also go to great lengths to deliver a personal touch to their guests.  We were asked to find some exciting, off-beat and affordable wines that guests would love discovering and drinking. We're very confident that people will enjoy tasting these amazing wines as much as we enjoyed choosing them. ”

Flavours for the Cellar will be rolled out across the UK in 2015. 

For further details or to book a stay, visit mercure.com 

Ends

Mercure is the midscale non-standardized brand of Accor, the world's leading hotel operator with over 3,600 hotels, 460,000 rooms and 170,000 employees in 92 countries. Mercure hotels share common quality standards and are driven by passionate hoteliers. Whether they are located in major city centers, by the seaside or in mountain resorts, each establishment offers an authentic experience for both business and leisure travelers. The Mercure network spans more than 700 hotels in 52 countries around the globe, represents a real alternative to standardized or independent hotels, and combines the power of an international network with professional and digital expertise. For more information, visit http://www.mercure.com 

Notes to Editors: About Peter & Susie

Susie Barrie and Peter Richards are the UK's favourite wine couple, with a growing international profile. They are the youngest married Masters of Wine, an elite qualification, and have been wine presenters on the hugely popular Saturday Kitchen (BBC1) for nearly a decade. The couple's award-winning work includes broadcasting, books, writing, judging, events (in 2014 they launched the acclaimed Wine Festival Winchester) and consultancy - Susie & Peter have just embarked on an ambitious new project with Mercure Hotels. They have been described as, 'Legends: best in the business', 'two rising stars' and 'the power couple of the wine scene'.

Notes to Editors: About the Flavours from the Cellar wines

1. The Portuguese Special One - Adega de Pegões – Chardonnay Blend - 175ml £5.50 | 250ml £7.50 | Bottle £22
2. I Want You - Boer & Brit Suikerbossie - Pinotage and Petit Verdot - 175ml £5.50 | 250ml £7.50 | Bottle £22
3. Italian Stallion - Passori Rosso Veneto – Merlot and Corvina - 175ml £5.95 | 250ml £8.50 | Bottle £24.50