After living and studying in Paris (Sorbonne) I joined the wine trade in 1962 and worked for Calvet Bordeaux. After a short stint with Mme Pol Roger and later Robert Drouhin (when I developed Hepatitis contracted from Peter Symington in Bordeaux!) I returned to the UK to join Asher Storey & Co Ltd. In 1973 I formed Bonhote Foster. In 1980 the Company was purchased by Scottish and Newcastle. In 1982 I became MD of Christophers and in 1987 MD of G.Belloni. In the early ?90?s I bought back Bonhote Foster from Scottish & Newcastle.

Current employer: Algodon Wine Estates, Argentina

Primary area(s) of work: Trade

Industry sector(s): Agency/Importer, Consultant, Distribution, Wine judge, Winemaking

Wine styles: English sparkling wines, Still red, Still white

Wine region expertise: Argentina, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Central Otago, Loire, Rhone, South-West France, Tuscany

Market expertise: France, New Zealand, North America, South America, United Kingdom

Specialisms: Acquisition of vineyards, Commercial advice on vinyard establishment, Establishment of vineyards, Vine propagation, Economics of wine production, Blending, Preparation of finished wine for bottling, Importation, Independent retail, Supplier/customer relationships, Wine labels, Wine tourism, Wine judging