Apprenticed to Harveys of Bristol in 1963. Buyer and blender Harveys Sherries 1974. Lodge Manager Cockburns (Oporto) 1982/83. Harveys Wine Buyer (sherry and fine wine) 1983/89. General Manager John Harvey & Sons 1989-1991. Buying Director Champagnes & Chateaux Ltd 1991 - 2007. Principal Bath Wine School Ltd 1991 - 2007. Chairman and Buyer of Vermilion Group Plc 1998 - 2004. Compagnon de Beaujolais, Williams & Humbert Scholar, World Wine Awards Judge Decanter Magazine. Author of The Concise Politically Incorrect Wine Book self-published by In Vino Veritas Press.

Industry sector(s): QA/QC, Buying, Author, Educator, Wine judge

Wine styles: Fortified wines, Sherry, Still red

Wine region expertise: Portugal, France, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Jerez

Market expertise: United Kingdom

Specialisms: Production of fortified wines, Blending, Quality assurance and control, Marketing wine, Supplier/customer relationships, Identifying and meeting consumer demand, Importation, Restaurant wines, Wine tourism, History of wine