Gareth specialises in the classic European wine regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, the Loire, Germany, Italy, Portugal. He is also has specific expertise with English wines (he has acted as adviser to some UK wine producers). He also has a passion for oak-matured spirits especially Scotch whisky and Cognac.

He founded Oinoudidasko Wine Consultants in 2001 and has presented a wide range of wine-related events for audiences ranging from consumers to specialists and passengers on wine-themed cruises. He also hosts occasional wine-themed dinners. The firm began in the York area but since 2016 he has been operating from Dunbar, Scotland.

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.

An emeritus professor at Sheffield Hallam University, Gareth was an active member of the wine studies group and he continues to lead some wine-related research projects. He is co-author of the book “Contemporary Wine Studies: Dancing with Bacchus” (Morgan & Tresidder – Routledge 2016) exploring the place of wine in society and widely used 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.