Simon is an Oxford languages graduate, he trained firstly as a Chartered Accountant mostly working in Europe. He then joined the wine trade in 1995, spending 2 years at Oddbins and the following 20 at Berry Bros, where he built up expertise in the wines of Spain, Champagne, The Rhone Valley, The Languedoc, Fortified, The Loire Valley and England. He now freelances, contributing to a variety of publications, consulting and tasting internationally.

Primary area(s) of work: Communication

Industry sector(s): Journalism, Consultant, Wine judge

Wine styles: Sparkling wine, Champagne, English sparkling wines, Fortified wines, Port, Sherry, Madeira, Still white, Still red, Still rosé

Wine region expertise: Mosel, Portugal, Rheingau, Rheinhessen, France, Rhone, Languedoc, Roussillon, Loire, Champagne, South-West France, UK, Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Galicia, Penedes, Navarra, Spain, Priorat, Jerez

Market expertise: United Kingdom, France, Spain

Specialisms: Identifying and meeting consumer demand, Routes to market, Importation, Distribution, HORECA, Independent retail, Wine tourism, Wine judging