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!