Gareth has long had a passion for wine, especially the classic European regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, the Loire, Germany, Italy, Portugal. He is also much involved with English wine.

He founded Oinoudidasko Wine Consultants in 2001 and has presented a wide range of wine-related events for audiences ranging from consumers to specialists.

He specialises in making events both educational and enjoyable – he believes in helping participants understand the rules and categories behind the wines of a particular region, so that they can understand labels and appellations and choose wines with confidence. His seminars normally include comprehensive handouts for participants to retain after the event.

Gareth also acts a on board wine lecturer for various river cruises in major European wine regions operated by Noble Caledonia – for example http://www.noble-caledonia.co.uk/tour/1180/rivers-&-vines-of-southern-france/featured-experts – and he hosts occasional specialist wine dinner – typically as part of the York Food Festival – see http://www.yorkfoodfestival.com/.

In addition to his work in Oinoudidasko, he undertakes some university-based wine work and leads some wine-related research projects. He is co-author of the book “Contemporary Wine Studies: Dancing with Bacchus” (Morgan & Tresidder – Routledge 2016) explore the place of wine in society and suitable as a wine studies text book in courses such as hospitality management. He is also heavily involved in work with charities and voluntary organisations, and he has a particular interest in wine-related charity fundraising. He also has a focus on the links between wine and the Christian faith – for example, the role of the great abbeys of Europe in developing leading wine regions.

He is also actively involved in English wine production – in particular he has acted as wine specialist and co-ordinated various analytical work and tasting trials – with Ryedale Vineyards in North Yorkshire, the northernmost commercial vineyard in the UK – and has taken part in numerous events and consultations regarding wine production in the UK.