Hello! I’m Jessica, founder of Mouse & Grape, and I’m excited (and a little terrified!) to share that I’m opening my very first cheese and wine shop in Pinner. It’s a huge milestone in my journey, and I thought I’d take a moment to tell the story of how Mouse & Grape began.
How It All Started
In 2020, my career took an unexpected turn. After working in my family’s Lettings and Property Management business Paige and Petrook since 2017, I decided to broaden my experience by joining Marsh & Parsons in early March 2020. However, just ten days later, the pandemic hit, and I was let go. It was a tough moment, but it gave me time to reflect on what I truly loved.
Finding My Passion for Cheese & Wine
Cheese and wine had always been a passion of mine, and with time to think during lockdown, I realised this was something I wanted to explore more seriously. I listened to Holly Tucker’s podcast, where she spoke about finding joy in what you do, and it really struck a chord. A conversation with my fiancé, Charlie, brought everything into focus. When he asked, “What do you love?”, my answer was immediate: cheese and wine.
That’s when the idea for Mouse & Grape was born. I launched it as an Instagram page (give me a follow @mouseandgrape) in July 2020, where I started sharing my passion for pairing cheese and wine.
Building Mouse & Grape
Alongside growing the Instagram page, I worked part-time at Dallings & Co, a wine shop in Kings Langley, while studying for my WSET Level 3 wine certification. By December 2021, after months of working on branding, website design, and sourcing the perfect products, I officially launched the Mouse & Grape website. Our curated hampers of cheese, wine, and gourmet accompaniments went live across the UK. Christmas 2021 was a huge success, and I knew I was onto something, but I also realised I needed to deepen my expertise in cheese.
Gaining Experience and Expanding
In early 2022, I took on a 10-month role at La Fromagerie in Marylebone, a fantastic experience that helped me learn so much more about cheese. At the same time, I completed my Academy of Cheese Level 2 certification (yes, that’s a real thing!). That year, I was lucky enough to be named one of six finalists in the Young Cheesemonger of the Year Award—an international competition with the final held in Wales, of all places!
Over the next two years, Mouse & Grape expanded online, and I began hosting bespoke cheese and wine tasting events for private clients and corporate groups. My influence on social media grew too, where I create content, collaborate with brands, and share my love for cheese and wine. I’ve also written articles for The Daily Mail, Metro, and Express, which has been such an honour.
Highlights Along the Way
One of the most fun moments came in 2024, when a playful April Fools’ campaign about “cheese-wine in a can” went viral, and it even won Drinks Business’ Social Media Campaign of the Year. Around the same time, I had the amazing opportunity to appear on BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen, which sent my hamper sales soaring. This led to regular features with Michael Portillo on his Sunday show on GB News.
I’ve also been fortunate to go on press and trade trips to France and Italy, which have been incredible experiences that continue to inspire my work.
The Next Step: Opening the Shop!
Now, in 2024, I’ve taken the biggest step yet—opening Mouse & Grape’s first cheese and wine shop in Pinner! It feels surreal to think that what started as an Instagram page during lockdown has grown into a fully-fledged business. I’m incredibly proud of how far Mouse & Grape has come, but I know this is only the beginning. I’m so excited for what’s to come and can’t wait to continue sharing my passion for cheese and wine with all of you.
This is a dream come true for Mouse & Grape, but don’t worry—our existing services, including selling hampers, cheese and wine, corporate tastings, at-home events, and nationwide delivery, will continue as usual. We’ll also be sharing updates as we prepare the space, and the official launch date will be announced soon!
Thank you so much for your ongoing support—I can’t wait to welcome you to our new home!
Jessica xx
