Andy worked for Marks & Spencer for 32 years as a buyer, becoming a MW in 2011. In 2013 Andy left M&S to focus on his own business (Vinetrades Ltd) which is involved in education, consulting, buying and investment in wine. Andy is a regular wine judge and writer, and has judged for DWWA, IWC, IWSC, Bacchus and 5StarWines. He has been a DWWA Regional Chair (Southern Italy, Central Italy and Canada) since 2017. Andy is Contributing Editor to Decanter and is an active writer for the magazine, Decanter Premium and is the Retail Specialist for JancisRobinson.com. He also judges the Decanter Retailer of the Year Award.

Current employer: Vinetrades Ltd

Primary area(s) of work: Trade, Strategy, Communication

Industry sector(s): Project management, Broadcasting, Winemaking, Marketing, PR, Sales, Business owner, Off trade, Buying, Journalism, Author, Educator, Consultant, Wine judge, Wine tourism

Wine styles: Fine and rare wines, Sparkling wine, Champagne, Cremant, Cava, Prosecco, English sparkling wines, Sweet wines, Fortified wines, Port, Sherry, VDN, Madeira, Still white, Still red, Still rosé, Still wines

Wine region expertise: Abruzzo, Aconcagua Valley, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Casblanca Valley, Chile, Colchagua Valley, Eastern Cape, Limari Valley, Lombardy, Marche, Mendoza, New Zealand, South Africa, USA, Western Australia, Western Cape, South America, France, Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Languedoc, Roussillon, Loire, Champagne, South-West France, Jura/Savoie, UK, Galicia, Priorat, Jerez, Italy, Maipo Valley, Piedmont, Veneto/Friuli, Tuscany, Sicily, California, Washington, Oregon, Douro, Alto Adige, Maremma, Liguria, England

Market expertise: Europe, North America, United Kingdom, South America, France, Italy, Portugal, Africa

Specialisms: Financial and commercial structures, Supplier/customer relationships, Identifying and meeting consumer demand, Routes to market, Supermarket and multiple retail, Independent retail, TV, Food and wine pairing, Restaurant wines, Wine tourism, Branding, History of wine, Wine judging