Dee Blackstock MW passed away on the 20 July 2025, following a short illness, at the age of 76.

Dee joined the wine trade in 1984 with Gerard Harris Fine Wines Ltd (retail side of The Bell Inn, Aston Clinton). In 1991 she joined Waitrose PLC (the food division of John Lewis PLC) where she was a Wine Buyer until 2013 – areas of responsibility during this time included: Champagne, all sparkling wine, New Zealand, Australia, Burgundy, Rhone, South of France, Germany, South Africa.

In 1992, she passed the Master of Wine exams at the first attempt, securing a bursary scholarship for the marketing paper. She then went on to study for the Institute of Grocery Distribution diploma and was awarded a scholarship for overall marks. In recognition of her services to French wine in her buying role she was made a Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite Agricole.

Upon retirement from Waitrose she became a freelance consultant. In addition to her consultancy work Dee was a member of the UK’s Government Wine Committee, judge at the IWSC and Decanter World Wine Awards and part of the regular tasting panel for a consumer Wine App.

Dee will be deeply missed and is survived by her children Kirsty, Fergus, Torquil & Alexa.

If you would like to pass on your condolences to the family, the IMW can arrange this for you. The family are holding a celebration of Dee’s life on Wednesday 6^th August 2025 in Amersham, UK. RSVP’s are required by the 30 July. Please email Karen Carrillo: kcarrillo@mastersofwine.org for further information.

Memories from Masters of Wine

By Patricia Stefanowicz MW
Dee was always a wonderful companion, whether when she was tutoring some of us a wee bit behind her, or as a buyer, or as a fellow wine judge at various competitions. We shall really miss her calmness and poise.

By Nancy Gilchrist MW
Amongst many memories of an excellent MW and a kind and gentle lady, I have the abiding image of the first time I met Dee. It was in a blind wine tasting class, and she caused a sensation as she walked in wearing the coolest pair of leopard print trousers. Always stylish. Always fun. Sincere condolences to Kirsty, Fergus, Torquil & Alexa.

By Neil Sommerfelt MW
I first met Dee in 1989 when she was working for Gerard Harris Ltd. Little did I know at the time that we would end up as colleagues as part of the buying team at Waitrose just 2 years later.

I remember Dee’s quiet diligent approach. She was always thorough and precise and seemed calmly on top of her buying responsibilities at all times. She could be great fun too.

I am saddened and shocked at her passing. My condolences to her family.

By Anne Tupker MW
I was fortunate to get to know Dee on several MW trips. She was a wonderful travelling companion, always interesting and fun, beautifully dressed, bright and sympatico. We shall all miss her greatly. My sincere concolences to her children and grandchildren.