Averys Wine Services

I feel very fortunate to have worked in my dream job for nearly thirteen years.  Of course I love fine wine and spend most of my spare time shopping for or planning the next meal and wondering which bottle would match it best.

Favourite wine region: Some of my most profound wine experiences have been with the wines from Burgundy, but they can also sometimes be expensive disappointments so always best to get advice.

Favourite wine and food: I enjoy all wines if they’ve been made with love, care, attention to detail and a lightness of touch. Seeing as my favorite region is Burgundy, I should choose a Grand Cru from the village of Vosne Romanee as my favorite red, served with lamb or game.

Favourite chateau/estate: I’ve always has a soft spot for Domaine de Mourchon in Seguret. A beautiful property with terrific wines where I’ve had some wonderful times.

Top tip: Always decant young red wines and even give serious whites some aeration to ensure they show at their very best.  

I cycle a lot and live with five dogs! As well as fostering and rehoming dogs I also read and write a lot. I have worked for Averys for ten years after returning from working in Central Otago, New Zealand.

Favourite wine region: Central Otago! The most beautiful place on earth, producing incredible wines

Favourite wine and food: Big fan of Italian reds from Piedmont, especially Barolo! And adore the reds from the Rhone Valley, both North and South. And when in doubt, serve with steak!

Favourite chateau/estate: Felton Road, Central Otago NZ, because I worked there and it is the most extraordinary place and people.

Top tip: There is value to be found in even the most expensive regions, and a good wine merchant will be able to steer you towards it. 

15 years ago my passion for wine became a serious job! After a spell in London with an independent merchant I joined Averys. I love chatting to my interesting and diverse customers and we all have something special in common: a love of good wine!

Favourite wine region: Though, at heart, I am a Burgundy girl, I am increasingly turning towards wines from Italy for their sheer diversity.  Planning to take a few more trips there as you can’t beat tasting in context!

Favourite wine and food: My favourite wines are too numerous to mention but the wines I truly love to seek out are those made by passionate and dedicated people.  And, if I had to pick just one wine I would drink for rest of my life, it would have to be Champagne.  It suits every occasion and is a fantastic accompaniment to every food you could possibly eat!

Favourite chateau/estate: Domaine de Beaumont in Burgundy.  I had the pleasure of visiting a few years ago and Thierry was an absolute delight.  An amazing experience which I will never forget.

Top tip: Don’t serve whites too cold; don’t serve reds too warm; and always buy from a reputable merchant who can give some solid, impartial advice on what wines you may enjoy the most! 

I’ve been with Averys since 2011 and always had an interest in wines having worked in hospitality and the wine industry

Favourite wine region: The south of France is probably my favourite regions quite simply because it is so diverse, from the deepest darkest reds to the lightest most fresh whites. It is also a beautiful place to visit.

Favourite wine and food: Current favourite white is the Domaine de Bastide Cotes du Rhone Blanc. Always reliable fresh and crisp with wonderful peachy fruit, a very versatile white for any occasion.

Favourite chateau/estate: No specific favourites as changes on a regular basis.

Top tip: Don't over chill your Chardonnay! And don't use a corkscrew when opening screwcaps (you'll be surprised by how often people do!)

I’ve been working in the wine trade for over ten years and it’s a fantastic industry to be a part of. I started at Averys 7 years ago now and knew straight away it’s the right company for me, from the amazing wines I get to try and taste, to the wonderful relationships I have with my customers – it couldn’t be better!

Favourite wine region: It would have to be Bordeaux – you can’t beat a well aged Claret!

Favourite wine and food: My current favourite wine and one of the best wines I’ve tried is a Barolo made by Claudio Boggione. He has a miniscule 2 acres of land located in the magnificent vineyard of Brunate, arguably the best of the region. This is the only wine he makes so it is a real labour of love. This 2011 is perfectly mature and drinking beautifully now with notes of macerated cherry, ripe plum and cassis. Delicious!

Favourite chateau/estate: Jeff Carrel’s wines! Based in the South of France he’s afforded so much more freedom to experiment with his wines which suits his eclectic personality perfectly.

Top tip: My top tip for wine? Try absolutely every wine you can! Some people might steer clear of Chardonnay for example. But with such a diverse range of terroir and winemakers with varying styles, no two wines are the same.

I first became passionate about wine whilst travelling around Australia – over 20 years ago now. When I returned I earned my rite of passage by managing several Oddbins shops in Central London eventually landing up in Bristol and Averys where I have been for several years now.

Favourite wine region: Some of the very finest wines I have ever tried have been from Bordeaux, I absolutely love the diversity of the region. Bordeaux comes in a myriad of styles that range from simple, easy to drink charmers to some of the most complex, age worthy and seductive wines on the planet. And Averys has one of the best ranges available on the market.

Favourite wine and food: White Burgundy, probably from Puligny, if I had to pick a region, epitomises everything I love about a decent white wine - offering elegance, richness and complexity in abundance. A Puligny matched with seared scallops or sole meunière will take the wine to an even more profound level!

Favourite chateau/estate: I really do have too many to mention and I am discovering new ones all of the time…

Top tip: When I’m looking for everyday wines I love the Cotes de Rhone and South of France. If you're going under a tenner this is a very happy hunting ground… And it goes without saying you should always ask your wine merchant (me!) for any insider tips!

I’ve been at Averys for around five years now. Preceding that I worked at Northcote Manor “Up North” before joining a cruise ship where I met my wife! Now happily married and settled on dry land with a six month old baby (at the time of writing anyway!). I currently hold a WSET Diploma and am an aspiring MW. – Did I mention I love wine?

Favourite wine region: I love the region of Bordeaux. For me the region has it all: exquisitely formed wines at the highest echelon, incredibly good value reds, fresh whites, rose and it’s a brilliant region to visit too. Having spent many weeks wandering the region it’s just a marvellous place.

Favourite wine and food: I’m a great believer that wine fits your mood. What I wish to drink today will rarely be the same as tomorrow. Broadly speaking; my favorite reds are those of Pessac-Léognan as they are richly flavoured at their best, offering bold black fruit, chocolate and a touch of scorched earth or notes of the dying embers of the fire. Pair this with a steak or even just the TV and you can’t go wrong. In the summer you’ll usually find me with a delicate rose in the garden, or even better, with something fizzy. I’m quite partial to Chateau L’Aulee, a fabulous Champagne alternative from the Loire.

Favourite chateau/estate: Haut Brion, I always wanted to visit and finally got chance to be treated to Lunch. Quite simply fantastic!

Top tip: Invest in some good glassware, It really makes a difference. Keep trying new wines, you’re new favorite may be just around the corner! 

I am a trained chef who fell in love with the wine trade. I have a degree from Plumpton in Wine Business. I have also worked in many different parts of the trade, in fine wine, trade and retail as a sommelier.

Favourite wine region: This is very hard question. Since working with Averys I have re-kindled my love for Bordeaux especially the right bank. Small producers from outer regions such Blaye and Fronsac get me very excited, I think there is a lot of value here.

Favourite wine and food: My favorite food and wine match has to be En Rama Sherry (Fino that is unfiltered and bottled once a year when the yeast ‘flor’ is at its thickest) alongside fresh seafood. You can’t beat it on a summer’s day. If you can’t get en rama, Muscadet is a good option. Having said that, Champagne with fish and chips is a close number two. I also have real soft spot for fine Pinot Noir, be it Red Burgundy, USA and even Germany

Favourite chateau/estate: I am a big fan of Tuscan reds, I try to buy from Ornellaia most years. They make one of the finest wines in the world and you get real value in there other estate wines – there younger drinking Le Volte is stunning for its price vs quality. 

Top tip: Use a corkscrew?? Fine wine is not just for Christmas –open those precious bottles with your nearest and dearest in an intimate setting. Also, invest in good glassware.