- Number of years in the fine wine trade:
- As in many family businesses, I started helping out when I was 10 years old. We used to sell loose British sherry of the kind where people used to bring their own bottles to fill. My job was to man the tap, so I suppose you could say I have been in the trade for 45 years.
- Favourite area of wine interest & why:
- Definitely France, especially Burgundy, it is such a beautiful, romantic area. I have been fortunate enough to receive very kind hospitality over the years and had a memorable meal with Bernard Bouvier with wines to match.
- Most memorable wine moment:
- I remember feeling very humbled whilst sitting next to Bernard Vallet in his cellars in Gevry at a candlelit dinner when he kept disappearing then returning and pouring one memorable bottle after another.
- Favourite food & wine match:
- A 1999 Domaine Faiveley Chambertin Clos de Beze enjoyed with my family at Christmas lunch.
- Interests outside the business:
- Always regarded as the ‘black sheep’ of the family, I spent my youth hitch hiking to London to see countless rock bands, so I am always happy sitting at a good music venue with a decent pint of beer in my hand.