Our Story
James began his career in the wine trade in 1988, working for an importer in Hong
Kong. After attending a number of tastings he got hooked, and took his first WSET
course at age 18. Barely legal...
After University, he headed for Bordeaux and landed an apprenticeship at Milhade
et fils. He worked the vintage in 1993, picking and treading grapes, and cleaning
out barrels - putting his BA to good use...
Eight years later James was still at Milhade but now in charge of global exports
to 18 countries. He traveled the world meeting buyers, visiting other wineries and
making contacts with key players in the wine industry. He also began studying wine
and in 1997 completed the WSET Diploma.
In 1998 James enrolled in the Master of Wine (MW) program. The MW is considered
the pinnacle of professional qualifications in wine. Since the first MW exams in
1953 there have only been 264 successful candidates. To prepare, James began working
vintages at wineries in Australia and California, and touring more wine regions.
Eleven years later, James became a Master of Wine.
James and Sondra own and operate Fine Vintage, and spend their days running the
WSET schools, looking after their clients, and hanging out with their kids.