Rupert (pictured left) has spent many years in the wine trade. During this time he has worked for Victoria Wine and as a senior manager for Majestic Wine. He has gained practical experience of wine making both in the Southern Rhone (Gigondas) where he earned the 'Certificate de Vinificateur' and in Western Australia (The Margaret River). He holds the Wine and Spirit Education trust diploma, and professional certificate in spirits. He has also studied for part of the Master of Wine exams.
He is a judge at the Wine magazine International Wine Challenge that is held every year in London. Named as one of four shortlisted candidates for Young Achiever of 2005, and again in 2007, by Drinks Buisness Magazine. In Summer 2006 Rupert attended the Ecole des Grandes Maisons d'Alsace; a course run annually for 10 of the UK's top wine-buyers and sommeliers, from which he graduated as top candidate. In December 2007 he was named by the Observer Magazine as one of the 50 "Rising Stars of the Drinks Industry". A keen runner he ran the Marathon du Medoc in September 2007.
Vivien Pritchett, Director
Vivien is a familiar face to many people in Surrey having been a professional caterer/restauranteur for nearly 30 years. Vivien is responsible for buying any food items both for the food section of the store and for hampers. On the top of this she is an invaluable reference for any food/wine matching questions!..
Nigel Bulpitt fine wine expert/consultant buyer.
Nigel's interest in wine has been a long one, after passing his Wine and Spirit education trust diploma in 1986, Nigel gave up accountancy to study for the Master of Wine exam (and to learn Spanish at the same time). Nigel is an active member of the Wessex committee of the UK vineyards association, so expect to see a few new English/ Spanish wines creeping into the list. (The photo is of him receiving a prize for Priors Dean Vineyard at the House of Lords.) When he is not studying hard Nigel enjoys walking and cycling holidays and well as looking after his classic car.
