I’m really excited to be introducing myself as the new face of Norfolk Local Wine School — and I’m jumping straight in by leading my very first event in just a week’s time: Fizz ‘n’ Chips on Thursday 16th January.
Some of you who joined us in the lead-up to Christmas may already have seen me lending a hand behind the scenes, or even stepping up to introduce a wine. So here’s a proper hello — and a cheers to it being time to lead from the top. Here’s a bit more info about me and my plans for the wine school:
I’m no stranger to Norfolk Local Wine School
I have been enjoying Jeremy’s events here in Norfolk for almost a decade! I had to double-check but I first signed up to an eight-week ‘Introduction to Wine’ course in 2016 and clearly therest is history.
I have kept my hand in at several social tastings over the years as well as completing my Level 2 and Level 3 WSET qualifications at the school. Norfolk Local Wine School has played a huge role in shaping my wine journey, so stepping into this role now feels incredibly full circle.
Hopefully I’ll get a chance to tell the story to you in person - but I even had my first date with my now wife at a Norfolk Local Wine School tasting. No promises I can work the same magic as Jeremy… but certainly the wine may help.
Wine as a Job or a Hobby? Or Both?
Since my early twenties, I’ve found myself increasingly curious about wine — not just drinking it, but really understanding it. A big influence was timing: I started learning more just as vineyards in Norfolk were beginning to grow in both number and reputation.
As a Norfolk boy who spent plenty of time poking my head into local breweries, it felt only natural to start sampling locally produced Norfolk wine too — back when it was very much in its infancy. I’ve enjoyed many a misty morning harvesting grapes, sometimes voluntarily for the learning experience, sometimes for a bit of pocket money (and once, memorably, I was paid entirely in bottles of wine).
After a few years of busy pub work, I stepped up into a role at Naked Wines, which I absolutely loved. It was an exciting period for me, and I threw myself headfirst into the industry — learning as much as I could and soaking up everything wine and the profession had to offer.
From there, I went on to rekindle an old beer pop-up, now Sir Toby’s Beers, which has since grown into a fully fledged small business. It all started from our humble but vibrant stall on the historic Norwich Market — and while that’s a story for another time, it’s been a huge part of my journey in the broader industry.
And then there’s travel. I genuinely believe one of the greatest things I’ve gained from learning about wine — particularly through Norfolk Local Wine School — is the confidence to dive into the wonderfully diverse world of wine while abroad.
Whether it’s visiting the vineyards of Bordeaux or stumbling across brilliant local producers where you least expect them, having the ability to sniff out that perfect bottle (or place) can turn a good trip into a truly special one.
My plans for the Wine School
Why change something with such solid foundations? Jeremy has crafted tastings and events for nearly a decade — and they work. I’m really looking forward to stepping into his shoes, leading many of the much-loved events already in the diary, and continuing the programme into the latter part of 2026 and beyond.
I do have one trick up my sleeve though - beer tastings. I have been lucky enough to immerse myself full-time in the craft beer industry with Sir Toby’s Beers over the last 7 years and I think the people of Norwich will enjoy learning a bit more too. I have my first event in the diary - Discover Craft Beer on Thursday 12th March.
I’m also excited to be starting my WSET Diploma over the next year or two. During this time, Jeremy will kindly continue to oversee the WSET programme while I absorb as much knowledge of the wine world as possible. Looking ahead, I’ll be keen to take on leading the programme, starting with WSET Level 1 and Level 2 in late 2026.
Beyond scheduled events, I’ll also be available for private tastings for those holidaying locally, as well as birthdays, special occasions, and corporate functions. Hopefully see you at an event soon!
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