In memoriam: John Clevely MW

It is with great sadness that we share the news that John Clevely MW has passed away.

John was born in the greatest of all Port years, 1927. He worked at Bournemouth Wine Co from 1948-49 before winning the prestigious Vintners Scholar award in 1950. From1951-1960 he worked at Simon Bros & Co Ltd.

In 1957 he passed the MW exam and became one of only 18 people to hold the Master of Wine title at the time. He contributed greatly to the Institute; serving on the IMW Council from 1964-1980 and as part of the Examination Panel (both Theory and Practical) from 1968-1978. After being an MW for ten years he became Chairman of the IMW in 1967, and in the same year was also the Chairman of the Wine and Spirit Trades’ Benevolent Society. In 2017 he celebrated his 60th anniversary as a Master of Wine at an Awards Ceremony at Vintners’ Hall in London.

During the seventies John was a Trustee of WSET, and joined the Livery of the Vintners’ Company in 1983. He was Director for Deinhard & Co throughout the sixties (1960-1970) and became Chairman and MD of H.Parrot which was owned by Veuve Clicquot, from 1970–1990. Afterwards he joined the board of Louis Latour and subsequently Chairman of Louis Latour Agencies.

John died peacefully at home on Tuesday 20 May aged 97. Devoted husband of Marigold. Adored father of Rupert, Dilly, Barnabas and much-admired grandfather and great grandfather.

If you have any memories you would like to share with us for John Clevely MW Memoriam page or wish to pay your respects to his family please send these to myself or Luke (LStephen@mastersofwine.org) and we will make these arrangements.