UK
B L A C K B U S I N E S S G U I D E 2022-23
As market awareness increases demand for fine wine grows The company’s aim was to offer a personal sommelier service to clients who love to entertain, loves luxury and want a better understanding of fine wine. We also deliver directly to your door from the vineyards. Our Sommelier now trades vintage fine wine on a global platform, offers personal sommelier services, as well advises our clients on how best to store their wines. We also host wine tasting events. n In 2021, Our Sommelier won Best Online Wine Merchant at the SME UK Enterprise Awards as well as I was awarded the French Wine Scholar scholarship from The Taylor’s Port Golden Vines.
SOPHISTICATED: Arlene King sharing her knowledge
M
y love for wine began after my first vintage fine wine tasting experience in 1998. It was pure perfection in a glass which led me wanting to understand more about wine. How it is produced and what makes a good wine. I started my journey into the world of wine, studying at the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and now currently with The Court of Master Sommeliers. Prior to my studies in wine, I began my professional career in fashion by representing my country, Jamaica, as well, studying business, and immediately after I worked on new projects mainly for start-up companies. It was first the love of fashion that brought me to the UK. Little did I know that fashion would have led me to a career in wine which became my new love. It is incredible to learn about wine’s history, the terrain, and all the elements within the parameters of the vine that determine what we receive in a glass. While I studied at WSET, I was offered a role as an office manager, and then I was promoted to wine buyer for a fine wine company. My main role was to liaise with leading wine merchants in the UK, as well as those in France and Switzerland. I also worked closely with private clients. In 2005, the fine wine market started growing at a rapid rate. It became more and more popular around the world. China, Hong Kong, and Singapore’s involvement changed the world of wine as we see today. As market awareness increases, demand for fine wine grows and the palates are becoming more and more sophisticated. In response to the industry’s growth, I saw a business opportunity and in 2013 Our Sommelier was formed.
“Little did I know that fashion would have led me to a career in wine”
EDUCATION: Students at a wine appreciation class
23
