How did you get into the wine trade, specifically the Wine Club's Fine Wine Team?

I went straight into wine after graduating from university in 2002. Working first in shops around the UK and France, I joined the Sunday Times Wine Club in 2005 initially in the Wine Advisor team, before joining the Fine Wine team to help with the landmark Bordeaux 2009 primeur campaign.

What are your favourite styles of wine, are there any areas in which you specialise?

I hate to pigeonhole my tastes and do enjoy wines made in many different styles and from all over the world. That said, I tend to lean towards the Old World, and those New World wines made in cooler climates. In terms of specialisation, Burgundy and the Rhône are the areas that I co-ordinate from a Fine Wine perspective, with annual visits to taste from barrel helping me to get under the skin of these regions and the wines produced there.

Has there been a bottle that’s particular stuck in your memory?

Not a bottle, but a barrel sample. I had never tasted Château Pontet-Canet before I arrived at the property to taste the 2009 vintage, but wow, what an introduction! Packed full of such intense, complex flavours, but perfectly structures, it seemed to defy all logic

What do you do outside of the world of wine?

In common with most of my colleagues I support Liverpool when it comes to football. My rugby tastes are slightly odder. Being English, but introduced to the sport by my Welsh in-laws, I support Llanelli’s team, the Scarlets, as well as the England national side. I also love skiing, and am trying to establish a life-long love of the activity with my kids too.

How did you get into the wine trade, specifically the Wine Club's Fine Wine Team?

I am the newest member of the Fine Wine team having joined the company through the Surbiton and then Virginia Water stores back in 2013. Prior to joining the Sunday Times Wine Club I graduated with a BA (Hons) in Wine Business from Plumpton College, part of Brighton University and also became a judge for the IWC (International Wine Competition) and IWSC (International Wine and Spirit Competition). I developed a passion for wine through hospitality and whilst backpacking around wine regions in Australia which pushed me to achieve the WSET accreditations.

What are your favourite styles of wine, are there any areas in which you specialise?

There are too many to mention however my favourite styles are attuned to the environment, food and company I am with. That being said, mature Alsatian Pinot Gris and a prestige cuvée from Champagne always hit the spot.

Has there been a bottle that’s particular stuck in your memory?

Every year I look forward to the latest Super-Tuscan release of ‘Tignanello’ having opened a bottle of 2009 on my wedding day. I was also lucky to taste an 1815 Sercial Madeira for my graduation.

What do you do outside of the world of wine?

Away from the office I enjoy playing Sunday League football whilst supporting Liverpool. I am a keen rock climber and enjoy the gym. To relax I enjoy an occasional police drama, walking holidays and cooking (and eating) foreign cuisine.