How would you describe yourself (and what you do):
I am a fully qualified professional Sommelier, with advanced qualifications in the Wine and Spirit Education Trust and in the Court of Master Sommeliers. I have 25 years’ experience in hospitality including an extensive background in mixology.
I was awarded Chester Food & Drink Festival Bartender of the Year four times before my career made the transition into the world of wine.
Who is your hero?
Master Sommelier Ian Cauble. Ian is a Californian based Sommelier, who I have had the pleasure of meeting in Hubert Keller’s restaurant ‘Fleur De Lys’ in Las Vegas. There are still only 202 people in the world to achieve this prestigious title, so it was a tremendous honour meeting him. He also very kindly offered me a job as a Sommelier there.
What is the favourite thing about your life/career?
Working as a professional Sommelier, you are quite often privy to sampling the finest foods and rarest wines. This is definitely one of the great perks of the job.
What makes you laugh the most?
The current state of politics.
If you could choose to do/be anything for a day, what would it be?
I have always said that if I could change my career, and start over again, I would go into perfume manufacturing. I don’t see it as that much different to mixing a cocktail or blending a wine, so I think I would find the process truly fascinating.
If you were King of your own country, what would be the first law you would introduce?
That is an easy one, I would abolish all tax on wine and make the world a beautiful place.
What is your pet peeve?
Another easy one, wine bottles being placed upside down in the ice bucket after they are finished with. For some reason it goes through me like nails on a chalk board
Do you have a family motto or life lesson you would like to share with us?
Everything happens for a reason (or I often joke, for a Riesling). Many a true word spoken in jest!
Last book you read?
Natural Wine for the People by Alice Feiring. I recently had to present a wine-tasting based around natural, organic and bio-dynamic wines and this book was a big help.
Last song you sang to?
Red, Red, Wine by UB40, of course. It is actually the only song Sommeliers are allowed to listen to once they take the sacred oath. All other forms of music are seen as a distraction and are therefore forbidden!
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