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): Winemaking, Distribution, Agency/Importer, Consultant, Wine judge

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

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

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

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