David loves to study and to teach - in fact, he's a classical guitar teacher in his day job. So it was only natural that once he discovered how much there is to know about wine, he would take to it, especially given his love for the finer things in life!
After spending a year or two working his way through the wine list at Once Upon a Vine (guided by Simon and Laura), David dived into WSET, completing his Level 1, 2 and 3 courses in double-quick time, and qualifying as a WSET educator soon after.
He also works as the administrator for YWS, keeping our events running smoothly!
Here's more about David in his own words...
What's your favourite midweek wine?
If I'm honest, I don't drink much wine in midweek (too much risk that I would fall asleep). But if I wanted a wine that would be delicious, go with most meals, and not ask me to do too much analysis, it would be a Loire Valley Cabernet Franc - top-tier bistro wine.
Most memorable wine drinking moment?
Before I started attending YWS, I visited Bodegas Tradicion in Jerez - they specialize in very old dry sherries. I was fascinated by the history of the wines, and the tasting was one of the first times I really saw how complex and fascinating wine can be.
What's your favourite 'non-wine' drink?
I love fruity, floral coffees made in a V60 - another drink for me to practice my tasting on! Or for alcoholic drinks, if it's not wine, it's beer - I love smoky porters best, but best bitters and big, juicy pale ales are also winners.
If you were a grape variety what would you be?
Garnacha - I need to be made to put some effort in to show my best qualities (and I get sunburned easily!)
Favourite course or tasting to teach at the Wine School?
My teaching is almost always WSET Level 2, so it's good that's my favourite! I think it strikes a great balance between being informative and accessible, and I know that everyone on the course will have a great time and leave ready to explore wine with renewed enthusiasm!
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