About Us

GNW started life as The Great Northern Wine Company,  based in The Dark Arches in Leeds.  We moved to our current premises in Blossomgate, Ripon, in 1990.  GNW has been in its current ownership since 2003, with significant recent investment in developing the wine bar and first floor lounge, which we hope will encourage people to browse around and enjoy new wines.

The proprietors of GNW are Mark & Emma Ryan.  Mark took over the business in 2003, and has since concentrated on turning GNW into a retail-focused business, with a clear focus on quality rather than quantity.  Mark’s love of wine stems from his time working for Porters, then one of the leading specialist food suppliers in the UK.   Having lived in Ripon for 35 years, Mark is beginning to feel like a Riponian!  Emma has been involved with GNW since 2008, and together with Mark has been involved in developing the wine bar and lounge, which we feel will enhance the wine experience of new and existing customers alike.

Both Mark & Emma are responsible for identifying and sourcing new wines for the enjoyment of our customers.  We have developed particular relationships with small producers in a number of countries, and are planning talks and tastings by some of these producers later in the year.