A WINE expert has opened a new bar – and will allow customers to try lots of different varieties, before they buy.

In a concept described as being similar to trying a spritz of perfume before buying a bottle, Fiona McLain has launched the bar in Yarm, near Stockton, with a ‘try, buy, enjoy’ concept.

Fourteen Drops has launched on the High Street, with a concept to encourage customers to try its carefully-chosen wines, buy them off the shelf and then drink them in the bar.

Ms McLain is the former sommelier, or wine waiter, from five-star Rockliffe Hall Hotel, in Hurworth near Darlington.

She said she hoped to encourage people to step out of their comfort zone and try new wines. “We plan to have new wines every week for people to experiment with,” she said. “We know people tend to stick to wines they like because it is a gamble to try something if they’re unsure how it will taste.”

Customers will also be able to choose wines from the shelves, pay a corkage fee then drink them on the premises. Charcuterie and cheese platters will also be available to eat alongside.

Fourteen Drops will also serve coffee, tea and soft drinks during the day.

Ms McLain, 30, has been in the wine trade for a number of years and her partner Andrea Asciamprener, who is from Milan, has been a sommelier and national wine buyer for 15 years. His expertise and contacts within the trade mean they have access to smaller wine producers as well as one-off vintages bought at auction.

Ms McLain said: “The name comes from family folklore – my grandpa, remembering his Navy days said there are always 14 drops of wine once you’ve emptied a bottle – it’s a good one to try and usually true.

“We want to offer a relaxed and approachable way to drink and try wine by offering a selection of wines that aren’t available elsewhere, so people who really enjoy wines can know that every week there will be something new to try. It pays to drink better, but we realise that people can be scared of paying for a wine they are unsure of. So, we are trying to allow them to access new wines that they can enjoy it and learn more about it.”

Regular tastings with wine-makers are also planned in coming months.