Martinez Wines, a ‘Famously Independent’ Ilkley Institution
Jonathan Cocker, owner and manager of Martinez Wines in Ilkley, is a familiar face around Ilkley and thanks to the regular videos that he recorded during the pandemic, somewhat of an internet sensation!
In fact, it was thanks to his commitment to keep local residents entertained and wine-watered during the two lockdowns in 2020/2021 that Martinez Wines took home the ‘COVID Extra Mile Award’ accolade at the Ilkley Business Awards 2022.
Regularly reaching 10,000 people every day, his lockdown videos were a huge hit and source of entertainment to many as well as keeping wine orders flowing in and Johnny’s staff in employment.
Martinez Wines is widely recognised as an Ilkley institution. It was established 43 years ago in 1979 by John and Christine Martinez and in 1984, John’s son, Julian, became involved and continued to build upon his father’s reputation for sourcing wines of unstinting quality and value for money at all price levels.
Today, the business is under the leadership of Jonathan, or Johnny as he is known to his friends and loyal customer base, following the untimely death of Julian in 2008.
Prior to that, Johnny had worked all around the world in restaurants, vineyards, hotels and as a sommelier in the City of London. He was very close to Julian and the Martinez family having worked as Julian’s right hand man for many years and he is proud to continue building on the ethos established by Julian and his father for sourcing unique and individual wines of honesty, character and integrity at all different price levels.
Martinez prides itself on being ‘famously independent’, with superior product knowledge and tasting experience and fully committed to offering its customers superb wines of the highest quality and value.
It also has a strong environmental ethos – working with producers and suppliers to reduce the impact on our environment – from reducing packaging to transport miles and energy usage throughout the business.
It has been at its current premises on The Grove since 2000, with the Martinez Wine Bar in the cellar opening in 2010. A further Martinez Wines opened in Bingley in 2015 and there are further plans for expansion in the pipeline.
It now also stocks a range of cheeses from the famous Courtyard Diary as the perfect complement to its wine range.
Over the years, the business has grown to embrace all aspects of the wine trade, with particular focus on its successful wholesale trade providing the individual and unique Martinez level of service to its wide range of customers from local pubs to Michelin-starred restaurants.
Johnny is a proactive and passionate ambassador for the Martinez brand and wants everyone to appreciate good wine. As he says:
“Sometimes, there is the misconception that our wines are really expensive or people may come in just for that special gift, but the truth is we stock a whole selection of top quality ‘every day’ wine with our “good plonk” selection from £6.99 up to the top of the range.
“We also have 40 wines for people to try at any given time so our customers can come in, taste and buy in confidence. And because we know our stuff, we can cater for all tastes and requirements. I would urge everyone to ‘shop independent’ and take advantage of our knowledge and experience – no wine makes it onto the shelf unless the team have tasted and approved it!”
He is as equally passionate about the community charity events they hold, in particular the annual Martinez Wine Extravaganza at the Winter Garden with all profits going to Save the Children and MacMillan Cancer Support, a cause close to Christine Martinez’s heart.
This year’s Extravaganza takes place on Tuesday 1st November, 2pm – 8pm, with over 150 wines to try, grazing tapas and a mixed cheese plate from the Courtyard Dairy and free master classes.
Tickets are £30 and available in store or by visiting the Martinez Wines website.
As Johnny says: “This will be a fantastic event with a huge selection of wine to learn about, taste and enjoy, as well as cheese and tapas! It’d be great to see The Winter Garden packed with hundreds of wine and cheese lovers!”
Martinez Wine bar is located at 35 The Grove, Ilkley, LS29 9NJ, and as one review puts it:
“Always a friendly welcome and THE best wine in Ilkley. I defy anyone to not find a wine here they love. And if you can’t find one, they’ll find one for you!”
www.martinez.co.uk | 01943 600000
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