This month we shine the spotlight on Thomas Smith, Fine Wine Broker and Buyer – based in our London office.
Approx 5 minutes 30 seconds read.
Q) Tell us a bit about you and your role at Corney & Barrow?
My role is very diverse, but the focal point is to help manage our broking customers. I also offer insight and valuations of their holdings and aid in the procurement of specific wines upon request of buyers that we currently do not have stock of on our list. Another aspect of my role is to facilitate any incoming bids/offers for our wine, which is especially prevalent in times such as these when the market is more turbulent.
Q) Can you talk more about the Broking department at C&B and how it all works?
Our aim is to provide our customers with an extensive catalogue of secondary market wines for purchase that they trust have stood up to our stringent provenance checks. We aim to offer our customers an outright experience with every producer they take a liking to, and providing back vintages and different cuvées of wines they have bought is a large part of that. Our department is tailored to guide potential sellers through the process from valuation to ultimately offering their holdings on our esteemed list for sale.
Q) What do you love most about your role and why?
Without a doubt, the best part of the role is the daily communication and interaction with our diverse broking customer base. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide an attentive, personal service like no other, and I thoroughly enjoy contributing to that.
Q) How did you end up working in wine? Did you always have a passion for wine?
I did from quite early on. It all stemmed from some bottles of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc in my university days. As I studied Business Economics, I was searching for ways to amalgamate the two industries, and I believe I arrived at the perfect match.
Q) What has been your favourite wine experience so far and why?
Very hard to pin one down! all the intimate wine dinners I have been fortunate enough to attend over the years are the highlight for me. I simply can’t enjoy a bottle on my own as much as I do with company and a great steak!
Q) What advice would you offer to someone looking to start a career in the wine industry?
I would advise you to enjoy as many bottles as possible – within reason! Once you have a taste for what you enjoy and your passion has blossomed, find out more – go onto our C&B Blogs and listen to our podcasts for more information. You’ll need to hunt down a role that benefits from your strengths – but nothing good comes easily! This is a passion-driven industry, so you must take advantage of that.
Q) When you are not tasting or selling wine, what might we find you doing?
Challenging myself daily is important, so I can usually be found either in the gym or training in Muy Thai. Otherwise, if I’m not planning a hiking trip, I’ll indulge in some light reading – something philosophical or psychology-related grabs my interest.