Beckie boasts an impecable hospitality resume. Having worked in many of the city's beloved bars and restaurants you are likely to have encountered her serving up an epic Old Fashioned in Blind Tyger, or perhaps a glass of Veuve in Epernay? She's also queen of the yurt festival come Christmas time! Now she dabbles in all things wine related, running her own events, busy completing her WSET L4 Diploma and working with Simon at Once Upon A Vine. She has a wealth of wine and drinks experience for you to call on.
Want to understand a bit more about Beckie's tastes?
What's your favourite midweek wine? "Around November time it's got to be Beaujolais Nouveau! But if this majestic beast isn't in season, give me a white with delusions of grandeur, like a Fino Sherry or a VOWB (Very Oaky White Burgundy)."
Most memorable wine drinking moment? The first time I won YWS Grape Off, I drank out of the trophy. Looking back over our social media, this memory is slightly tarnished when I realise how many previous winners have also drunk out of it! It was my first event for Yorkshire Wine School, and I won with a chilled red! Unforgettable.
Do you have a favourite 'non-wine' drink? "Whisk(e)y! It's endlessly complex, totally gastronomic, powerful in success and comforting in despair, and I don't think I'll ever tire of trying new discoveries or drinking old favourites."
If you were a grape variety what would you be? "Chardonnay. Despite the difficult 80s, with an in-your-face reputation, I'm not actually all oak and no subtlety. Instead I am versatile, refreshing, and occasionally smooth and buttery (if a wine educator can be described as buttery!)."
What's your favourite course or tasting to teach at YWS? "Call me a teacher's pet, but I've always LOVED exams. It was the WSET L2 that first introduced me to Laura and the Yorkshire Wine School. So, no matter how much I find joy in presenting for fun, having a laugh, and sharing wine and stories with my guests, there is nothing I find more satisfying than watching a class of students going into their exams, prepared and ready to take on the wine world."
