My Story
There’s always one key moment when you realise that wine is more than just a glass of crushed grape liquid. For me, this moment came on a cool March morning at 9 am. I was sat in a small log cabin in Napa Valley when I tasted a glass of Pinot Noir called Lola, named after the wine maker’s dog. I felt inspired and compelled by their story, as I enjoyed one of the most elegant Pinot Noirs I had ever tried. In fact, I remember being so interested in the winemaking techniques and their use of concrete.
To this day, this moment reminds me why I have a passion for wine.
I’ve always had a love for science, and I studied microbiology at the University of Birmingham. It’s these beautiful romantic moments intertwined with the science behind them that really draws me into wine.
My passion for wine has since developed, and wherever I’ve traveled, I’ve been keen to incorporate tastings and vineyard visits into the itinerary. As well as these experiences, in the last three years, I’ve completed WSET levels 2 & 3, French Wine Scholar and Italian Wine Scholar.
Another pivotal wine moment was a recent trip to Priorat, in the southwest of Catalonia. While in the region famed for its red wine, I visited a beautiful vineyard and winery, Perinet. Here, I learned all about the role of their winemaker and how his decisions determine what the wine will become. But more importantly, it was in Priorat that I felt clear that I wanted to start a career in winemaking.
In 2020, I left my job in banking to focus on gaining as much wine industry experience as I could to prepare myself for a career in winemaking. I spent two months undertaking an internship in Cape Town, working for Groot Constantia for 2 months. I spent their summer sampling grapes, working in the lab and getting my hands dirty making wine.
In September 2020, amidst a global pandemic, I began my formal education in winemaking and enrolled in Plumpton College, to embark on a Masters in Viticulture & Oenology.
It’s been a wonderful journey, and I loved learning the elements of wine science and getting a more in-depth view of the UK wine industry.
After completing my Masters and my WSET Diploma, I spent plenty of time visiting vineyards and building my network within the wine industry.
In May 2023 I planted my own micro-vineyard with three varietals - Pinot Gris, Pinot Meuiner and Gamay. I’m excited to create some amazing fun wines.