Julia’s passion for wine
developed as a result of a student exchange to Germany in the heartland of
the picturesque wine producing region of Baden-Württemberg. Her growing
wine knowledge was further stimulated by a lifelong love of the food,
language and culture of the countries she encountered whilst studying for
degrees in modern foreign languages.
After many years working
as a professional linguist (Julia is a fluent speaker of German, French,
Italian and Dutch with a useful smattering of Spanish and Russian!), she
progressed through WSET exams and practical vine growing and winemaking
courses at Plumpton College.
Julia is actively
involved in the Mercian and UK Vineyard Associations, gaining hands-on
experience in vineyards and wineries in the UK and New Zealand. She
recently undertook an extensive tour of the South Island of New Zealand
whilst researching the issue of sustainability, as well as organic and
biodynamic viticulture, for the UKVA Sustainability Working Group.
She currently teaches
WSET and wine appreciation courses at colleges in Cheshire as well as
working as a freelance wine educator and competition judge.
For Julia wine is all
about pleasure - and what could be more pleasurable in life than sharing
good wine and food with like minded people. What better way to get in touch
with the people and culture of the wine producing world than drinking their
wines - preferably in the country itself!