This month our staff spotlight is on Graham Moss (known as Mossy), who has been in the Fine Wine team for 12 years.

 

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

I have been part of the Fine Wine Team for twelve years now and deal predominantly with the private customer, which encompasses both the drinker and the ‘collector’. It is dealing with the end consumer that excites me most and I take great pride in providing a highly personalised service, bringing to our valued customers my expertise and experience from many years (don’t ask!) in the industry globally.

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

I have always had a passion for wine, helped by a ‘healthy’ upbringing at home. I started in the trade working as a cellar hand (for a London competitor, under a palace!) but this was part time as my ‘real’ job was playing professional cricket! So I worked in my ‘off seasons’ as a way of supporting my bowling ambitions!

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

Whilst working with Corney & Barrow I have been exposed to and enjoyed drinking some of the greatest wines in the world. However, my favourite wine experience is not specifically about a wine but more about the people, be that colleagues, customers, friends, or producers whom I have had the privilege to meet, learn from and indeed share many fine, obscure and fascinating fine wines with.

Q) What advice would you offer to someone looking to start a career in the wine industry?

Take advantage of training courses but if you can do this while getting some trade experience…do a vintage. I was lucky enough to do the 1982 vintage in Bordeaux (albeit in Entre-Deux-Mers).

Experiment, be real – listen and meet as many winemakers/producers as possible.

Q) What is your ultimate tip when it comes to sourcing and buying wines?

We are all so spoilt with the availability of different wine styles from almost every part of the globe so experiment and take yourself out of your comfort zone. Yes, we all have our favourite colour or region and these are always easy to hand but the more we try, the more we learn. Having said this and whilst I can appreciate the quality of some, I simply cannot do Sauvignon Blanc!

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

I am a homebird! My wife and I have lived overseas in Australia, Switzerland and the Middle East for years and I am thoroughly enjoying having our Richmond home back and staying put! Family is everything and I love meals out with my wife and two teens or with friends – but, all that can play second best to England when they are playing at Lords!