
Frank Smulders MW
Became an MW 1992
Based in Netherlands
Nationality Dutch
Languages Dutch, English, French, Spanish, German
Home country: Netherlands
My career in the wine business started in 1985. Since then I occupied a host of different roles in the industry. Until 2001 I worked for different wine importers in the Netherlands in sales, buying, marketing and management. In 2001 I started working independently in education, interim management and consultancy.
Currently I lecture in 15 countries in Europe, mostly WSET Level 3 and 4 (Diploma Course), and the German language Weinakademiker Program from the Weinakademie Österreich.
As a Spanish wine specialist I consulted many wineries in Spain, including Abadia Retuerta and Bodegas y Bebidas (now Pernod Ricard Spain). Currently I am involved in creating a new wine from 100 year old Garnacha parcels in Navarra.
From 2010 till 2013 I was in charge of the wine-team of Palais Coburg in Vienna ('Best wine list in the world') and created the cellar of Parkhotel Vitznau in Switzerland.
As of January 2019 I am in charge of the wine department of O'Key Hypermarkets in Russia, after having consulted their sister company Da! already since 2015.
Primary area(s) of work: Wine production, Trade, Strategy, Communication
Industry sector(s): Project management, Sales, Distribution, Off trade, Buying, Educator, Consultant
Wine styles: Fine and rare wines, Champagne, Cava, Sherry, Still white, Still red, Still rosé, Still wines
Wine region expertise: Austria, Germany, Mosel, Rheingau, France, Alsace, Bordeaux, Rhone, Roussillon, Champagne, Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Galicia, Penedes, Navarra, Spain, Priorat, Jerez
Market expertise: Europe, Germany, Netherlands, France, Spain, Russia
Specialisms: Blending, Marketing wine, Identifying and meeting consumer demand, Routes to market, Importation, HORECA, Supermarket and multiple retail