Meet the Friend

Paul Mabray is one of the wine industry's foremost thinkers in bringing wine into the digital space. He has worked in important developments at wine.com, and founded vintank.com and winedirect.com, and today is focused on the development of pix.wine — a new wine discovery platform. Amanda Barnes interviews him as a new Friend of the Circle to find out what makes him tick, and how he envisions the ...

Ross Carter has worked in many different areas of the industry over the years but most recently is becoming known for his work at The Drinks Trust (the drinks charity formerly called The Benevolent) as CEO. In this Meet the Friend interview, Amanda Barnes finds out how the parameters shifted for the charity during the pandemic and learns about its key campaigns for 2022. She also discovers how Ros...

Alan Aboud is the creative director of Fine and Rare's new FONDATA publication (which features Member Jancis Robinson MW on the cover in its first edition). In this Meet the Friend interview, Amanda Barnes finds out how the fine wine market has changed during the pandemic, the concept of a 'journal of adjacencies' and why moving from Black Tower to Meursault has been great for his palate but not h...

Julia Trustram Eve is at the forefront of the British wine scene as Head of Marketing for Wine GB, but it was actually bottles of Burgundy and Claret that first brought her into the wine world. Amanda Barnes interviews Julia on her pathway into wine, what excites her most about the world of British wine today and the establishment of the Great British Classic Method.   How did you get int...

Patrick Rea found his way into the world of wine through a fortunate acquirement by one of his clients. In this Meet the Friend interview, Amanda Barnes learns why he went from marketing medical services to marketing English Pinotage and why he's hoping to be able to invite members over for a round of golf at Mannings Heath one day soon.   Tell us how you got into the world of wine and ...

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...