Hidden gems

FEW people have the courage, drive and ambition to try to make a living out of their greatest interest in life.

Edinburgh businessman Ashton McCobb is one of the exceptions. His self-confessed "fanatical obsession" for French life has led to the opening of his first shop, Appellation Wines, on Dalry Road. The shop is undoubtedly one of the best things to have happened to the street, bringing a taste of the continent through its wide selection of fine wines.

It's been a relatively short journey for McCobb who launched his company in 2005, before setting up an online store in 2007.

That year, he also had a stand at the inaugural Edinburgh Taste Festival, where all wines shown were sourced exclusively from boutique French producers.

Appellation Wine's philosophy is that there is no reason to sell the same wines as the big supermarkets, and no reason why every fine wine shop in Edinburgh should carry the same stock.

The store also stocks a range of unusual international beers, and customers can enjoy a coffee and cupcake while deciding on their purchases.

Appellation Wines, 43 Dalry Road, Edinburgh, 0131-202 0985, www.appellationwines.co.uk