Natasha Hughes is a freelance wine and food writer, educator and consultant. Her exploration of the world of wine began when she ran a catering company part-time while at university. It blossomed on her return to London, after six years spent working in TV production and publishing in Australia, when she became deputy editor for Decanter online, the website of the UK's leading consumer wine magazine. On leaving the magazine in 2001, Natasha began a successful and diverse career that has included writing for some of the world's most respected magazines and websites. Her first solo book, The Wines of Beaujolais, was published in 2025 by the Academie du Vin Library. In the same year, she launched Master Classes, an educational initiative, with fellow MW Cathy van Zyl. In addition to writing and teaching, she consults for businesses and private clients and hosts seminars, tastings and trips to wine regions for members of the trade and the public. Her love of, and skill with, food and knowledge of the on-trade has led to stints as a restaurant reviewer, as well as consultancy work for a number of restaurants. Natasha also judges at wine competitions around the world. She graduated in 2014, winning four out of the seven available awards that year, including the Outstanding Achievement Award for best overall performance in the exams.

Primary area(s) of work: Strategy, Communication

Industry sector(s): Project management, Broadcasting, Events, Marketing, On trade, Journalism, Author, Educator, Consultant, Wine judge, Wine tourism, Wine business strategy

Wine styles: Fine and rare wines, Natural, Orange wines, Sparkling wine, Champagne, English sparkling wines, Sweet wines, Fortified wines, Sherry, VDN, Still white, Still red, Still rosé, Still wines

Wine region expertise: Australia, Chile, Greece, Hawke's Bay, Hungary Tokaj, Lebanon, New Zealand, South Africa, South Australia, USA, Victoria, Western Australia, France, Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Languedoc, Roussillon, Loire, Champagne, South-West France, Rioja, Spain, Jerez, Italy, Piedmont, Israel, Tasmania, Sicily, California, Oregon, Beaujolais, Hungary, Beaujolais

Market expertise: United Kingdom

Specialisms: Marketing wine, Investment strategies, Identifying and meeting consumer demand, Routes to market, HORECA, Direct to consumer, TV, Events, Broadcasting, Podcasts, Food and wine pairing, Restaurant wines, Wine tourism, Branding, History of wine, Training, Digital communications, Education, Events, Wine judging