RENOWNED Mere-based win merchants Yapp Brothers is on the move – to neighbouring Somerset.

The firm, which has been in the town for around five decades, will close its premises at The Old Brewery at the end of the month – with a big sale planned for customers.

Yapp Brothers provide wines for all manner of venues, including Michelin-starred restaurants and more.

It was founded in 1969 by dentist Robin Yapp, who ventured into the then-little known Rhône & Loire valleys and began shipping wines from the region.

Since then, it has expanded, eventually settling at The Old Brewery in Mere.

In 2004, Robin retired, with the company left in the safe hands – and in the family – of stepbrothers Jason Yapp and Tom Ashworth.

Tom, CEO of the firm, said the time was right for the next step.

Yapp Brothers is moving to West 303 in Sparkford, in neighbouring Somerset. Picture: Google

“After 53 remarkable years at our much-loved Old Brewery site, this relocation marks a significant chapter in the Yapp story,” he said.

“We are thrilled to embrace new opportunities, provide an improved working environment for our team, and deliver a broader range of wines and services to our customers at competitive prices.”

He said the firm would move gradually throughout May, with a special offering to customers at the old premises.

A Big Bin-End Sale is planned between Thursday, May 23 and Saturday, May 25, offering discounted bottles, original artwork, wooden wine boxes, corkscrews and more.

The company will be moving to more “modern” premises at West 303, at Sparkford.