VinedMe Norfolk, an Enoteca and Cellar which has been based in Walsingham since 2023, opens at Drove Orchards, Thornham today. Here, Kevin, Marta and the team share the story of the wine experience business
Who are you and what do you do?
VinedMe is an independent wine merchant and wine bar in Walsingham, North Norfolk. It was founded by Kevin Bowers and Marta Mateus-Bowers, in 2023, who both have many years’ experience in the wine trade and enjoy bringing their passion for wines of the world from small producers, made with low intervention methods and natural processes to create community.
What are your connections with North Norfolk and what do you love about the area?
We both fell in love with North Norfolk after travelling here to enjoy the coast, the sea and areas of outstanding natural beauty that can be found all along the North Norfolk coast.
Marta: If we can live near the sea, we are happy.
What led you to opening VinedMe in Walsingham in the first place and what were you doing before?
Walsingham has become our home with its friendly community, close connections to the sea and natural environment. We brought our wine trade business with us, as it is portable and can run anywhere in the world.
How would you describe the wine experience you offer? What is an enoteca for those not in the know?
We unpack any complexity around the enjoyment of good wine. We focus on bringing people together as we firmly believe ‘enjoying wine is a way of life’. We avoid complicated descriptions and instead encourage a community of people with a shared passion. Just to know, we do use the word ‘enoteca’ meaning a ‘library of wine’.
How important is it to offer sustainable wines?
Sustainable wines are our focus as we connect with those wine producers who share our values of caring for the environment now and for the future. Over many years poor farming practices have led to the degradation of soil quality globally so if we can focus our range on organic and sustainable farming then we can do our little bit for soil quality for the future.
What is your background in the wine industry and what do you love about Iberian wines in particular?
Marta: I grew up on a cork farm in Portugal, so it feels natural for me to live in a way that connects me to the earth.
Portuguese wines take pride of place in our business alongside wines from around the world.
Kevin: Each wine and producer goes through a process so what you see on the shelves is a carefully curated selection, hand-picked if you like.
As well as loving Portuguese wine we feel it offers amazing value for money. If you want to try well-made wines, with unusual grapes and real quality, then look no further than Portugal.
What is the latest development with VinedMe and when do you open in your new Thornham home?
At VinedMe we are constantly enjoying today and planning tomorrow. Our next wine shop and bar opens today [Wednesday July 23] at Drove Orchards, Thornham, North Norfolk.
What can wine lovers expect this time?
Visitors can expect a warm Norfolk welcome, sustainably produced wines, local craft beers and quality spirits. Whether you drop in for a glass of wine with friends and some light bites of food or take away wines to enjoy at home, you are most welcome at Walsingham and Thornham.
How can people find out more/find you?
We enjoy being social on Instagram @VinedMe_Norfolk. You can read more and book our events at vinedme.co.uk and stay in touch via our regular newsletter.
What are your hopes and dreams for VinedMe?
Our hopes and dreams are here now … each day living in North Norfolk and connecting with the great community of people here. Come and see us soon, a warm welcome awaits you.
VinedMe Enoteca & Cellars Norfolk opens at Drove Orchards, Thornham today (Wednesday July 23, 2025), Visit vinedme.co.uk.
Featured image of (left to right): Kevin (owner), Emily (bar manager), Marta (owner) and Tom (wine advisor) – supplied
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