Meet the Friend Archives - Circle of Wine Writers

Meet the Friend: Donald Ziraldo

Posted on May 12, 2021May 15, 2021 by Amanda Barnes

Donald Ziraldo needs no introduction to most wine writers around the world as one of the most influential figures in Canadian wine. After starting his career with a vine nursery, he became involved in winemaking with the founding of Inniskillin in 1974, remaining there until 2006, and later moved on to create his own independent label Ziraldo, planting his own vineyard in 2007. As a Friend of the ...

Meet the Friend: Tanya Schmitt, Croatia Unpacked

Posted on April 8, 2021April 15, 2021 by Amanda Barnes

Tanya Schmitt is keen for the world to know the beautiful wines and destinations of Croatia through her company Croatia Unpacked. Amanda Barnes interviews her about how she got into the wine world, why she thinks Istria is a hidden gem (especially in Autumn and truffle season) and how Grk has finally reached the shores of Ontario, Canada. What sparked your interest in wine? I’ve always enjoy...

Meet the Friend: Dawn Davies MW, The Whisky Exchange

Posted on March 8, 2021March 9, 2021 by Amanda Barnes

Dawn Davies MW The Whisky Exchange interview for Circle of Wine Writers

To access this post, you must purchase Friend of the Circle (inc one-off joining fee), Corporate Friend of the Circle (inc one-off joining fee), Friend of the Circle (renewals) or Corporate Friend of the Circle (renewals).

Meet the Friend: Kate Sweet, Limm PR

Posted on February 5, 2021February 9, 2021 by Kate Sweet

Kate Sweet has been 'wine curious' ever since she can remember and today is one of the leading PRs in the drinks industry, working at Limm Communications with a range of brands and clients from vintage Cognac to grower Champagne. In this interview, we discover why she's desperate to enjoy a glass of rosé overlooking the Med very soon, but will take a pass on the Gewürztraminer. What bro...

Meet the Friend: Pandora Mistry, Business France

Posted on January 10, 2021January 11, 2021 by Pandora Mistry

As Senior Marketing Advisor for Business France, Pandora Mistry is at the forefront of the French wine scene in the UK. Amanda Barnes interviews her on the top trends today and learns how she got into the world of wine. How were you first introduced to wine and what sparked your interest in the industry? I started to do wine tours with Arblaster and Clarke in the early 2000’s, mostly i...

Meet the Friend: Su-Lin Ong

Posted on November 9, 2020November 12, 2020 by Amanda Barnes

Su-Lin Ong is an independent wines and spirits consultant specialising in research and development, marketing and PR. For over 25 years she has worked with both long-established brands and helped launch new entrepreneurial brands, working also on cocktails, beers and tea infusions! Amanda Barnes interviews her about her parents' cocktail trolley, fast cars and slow wine, and why she'll be looking ...

Meet the Friend: Emma Baumann

Posted on October 6, 2020 by Amanda Barnes

Emma Baumann is the PR and Communications Manager at Wine Australia, where she looks after communications, keeps stakeholders informed about Wine Australia and their activities, and finds ways to promote Australian wine and share producers’ stories. Amanda Barnes interviews her to get to know a bit more about why she enjoys working with the Australian wine industry, how she got her first wine brea...

Meet the Friend: Anita Jackson, Wines of Chile

Posted on September 6, 2020September 9, 2020 by Anita Jackson

Meet the Friend: Emma Roberts

Posted on August 9, 2020August 12, 2020 by Amanda Barnes

Emma Roberts is director of Eviva Communications working with clients that range from Picpoul de Pinet to Japanese spirits. Amanda Barnes interviews her to find out more about how she got into the wine world and how lockdown has changed the industry from her perspective, including the positive side of helping the planet, riding a bicycle and working in your pyjamas. How did you get into...

Meet the Friend: Sam Linter, Wine GB

Posted on July 5, 2020July 8, 2020 by Amanda Barnes

Sam Linter, Managing Director & Head Winemaker for Bolney Wine Estate.

Sam Linter is a second-generation winemaker at her family vineyard and winery, Bolney Wine Estate, which was established in West Sussex, in the South Downs, by her parents, in 1972. Since 2019, she has been a director of Wine GB, responsible for helping drive British wine forward in both the local and export markets. Amanda Barnes interviews her about her own experiences as an English winegrower a...