This month our spotlight falls on Piers Mortimer who works in the sales team, covering the North of England.

Q: Tell us a bit about you and your role at Corney & Barrow?

Prior to Corney & Barrow I studied forest management after leaving school and through a few twists and turns, ended up having a long career in the hospitality industry. I had a diverse number of jobs within the industry, such as personnel manager, banqueting manager, restaurant manager and sommelier. Before ending up taking on the role of general manager. I worked in quite a few properties over the years, most notably The Vineyard At Stockcross (with its huge wine list) and The Samling Hotel in the Lake District. I was lucky to have worked for Independent’s at the quality end of the market for my whole career, which was great as I was exposed to lots of nice wine and food.  I am now Account Manager for Corney & Barrow, working closely with our team in the North of England.

Q: What types of customers do you look after and where are they based?

I look after mostly on-trade customers, so hotels, bars and restaurants. Mostly based in Cumbria, Northumbria and few in Manchester. Plus I also look after a few private customers.

Q:How did you end up working in wine? Did you always have a passion for wine?

Wine was always part of family life, I clearly remember my father having a keen interest back when I was a boy. Time working in hotels certainly helped to clarify how it all worked, who the good producers were and what my preferences were.

Q: What has been your favourite wine experience so far and why?

Sitting in a friends restaurant for lunch with a bunch of mates who had each brought a decent bottle. Good food, good wine and good company. It’s what it’s all about is it not?

Q: What would be your desert island wine and why?

Gevrey-Chambertin Cuvee Ostrea Domaine Trapet Pere et Fils. Not bothered about the vintage as it always delivers and I just love the style.

When you are not selling or tasting wine what might we find you doing?

Mountain biking in the lakes which has been a lifelong obsession, I just can’t get enough! When I am not biking I helm a Laser Vago or crew a VX1 on Ullswater, quite possibly the most beautiful lake to sail in the world… I might be a bit biased.