WINE-lovers in and around Seaton now have a new outlet where they can indulge their passion.

Seaton Wines can be found in the middle of Seaton town centre at the junction of Queen and Fore Streets. The new shop stocks more than 200 different wines, mainly from old world vineyards and specialises in "bin ends" - the remaining stocks of quality wines which producers want to clear out to make room for the next vintage.

Connoisseurs and business partners Richard Edwards and Mark Eliott have opened the doors to Seaton Wines. They describe themselves as "passionate about wine" and have more than five decades' combined experience in the upper echelons of the French wine trade. Both men have spent more than two decades living in France and have worked for some of the top family-run wine businesses. The pair met while living and working in Bordeaux and they now want to share their experience and expertise with others in the Axe Valley.

Richard, who holds a diploma from the International Institute of Wines and Spirits, was working as a wine negotiator and international wine shipper before starting Seaton Wines. "Our aim is to offer quality wines at good prices, because there are no middlemen involved. We buy all our wine direct from the producers and we only buy what we like."

In his younger days, Mark was member of the "A" team of the New Zealand All Blacks and moved to France to play professional rugby in the country's first division. After retiring from rugby, he went into the wine business and was until a year ago, the export director for a top Bordeaux chateau.

As well a retailing wines at Seaton, the pair also operate a wine shipping service for other clients and as the business develops the pair are also planning to establish a wine club, offering customers special wine-tasting events and discount opportunities.