Sandeman (wine)

History

The Sandeman wine company began in 1790 when brothers George and David Sandeman, from Perth, started the business with £300. David, who preferred banking, left in 1798 to establish the Commercial Bank of Scotland, leaving George as the sole owner. In 1953, the company purchased the port firm Robertson Brothers. The business was initially handed to George’s nephew, George Glas Sandeman, and stayed in family hands until Seagram bought it in 1979.

In 2001, Diageo and Pernod Ricard, who had acquired it from Seagram, sold the operation to Sogrape. A descendant, George Thomas David Sandeman, now sits on the board of Sogrape Vinhos S.A. Family members remained owners until 1993. During the 1800s, the family became linked with Hayling Island, living at Westfield House in West Town, and have a grave at St. Mary’s Church. Fleetwood Sandeman founded Hayling Golf Club in 1883.

In 1993, Patrick Sandeman and Charles Lea formed the independent wine merchant Lea & Sandeman. Patrick, who had previously worked for Seagram, died in a skydiving accident in 2012, and his wife Katie took over as a director.