
Frank Smulders MW
Became an MW 1992
Based in Netherlands
Nationality Dutch
Languages Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish
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): Buying, Consultant, Distribution, Educator, Off trade, Project management, Sales
Wine styles: Cava, Champagne, Fine and rare wines, Sherry, Still red, Still rosé, Still white, Still wines
Wine region expertise: Alsace, Austria, Bordeaux, Champagne, France, Galicia, Germany, Jerez, Mosel, Navarra, Penedes, Priorat, Rheingau, Rhone, Ribera del Duero, Rioja, Roussillon, Spain
Market expertise: Europe, France, Germany, Netherlands, Russia, Spain
Specialisms: Blending, HORECA, Identifying and meeting consumer demand, Importation, Marketing wine, Routes to market, Supermarket and multiple retail