IWSC News

Thu 15 Mar 2018

By Laurel Bibby

Founder of Amelia’s Wine, which runs wine tastings and corporate events – specifically the Mews House Tastings hosted in Singer’s own London home – and co-presenter of ITV’s The Wine Show, Singer has a wealth of experience in the industry. She is also the wine columnist for Waitrose Food Magazine and the UK ambassador for The Wine Institute of California. 

Singer was praised by judges for being “an amazing presenter” and “a born communicator”; “Amelia’s exuberance and drive is ringing wine to new audiences”.

Our final Wine Communicator of the Year nominee, Singer tells us more about how she first became interested in wine, and why her favourite region is The Rhone.

How did you first become interested in wine?

I had a very enthusiastic, European father who weaned me on wine from age six. I would be allowed a sip before dinner and he would ask me what I thought. I loved food, flavours and it was just a fun way to bond with my dad. It is still very much an interest that we share and which allows us to have quality time together.

How long have you been in the wine business?

Nine years... I can’t quite believe it. It has gone by so fast!

Which is your favourite region and why?

That is a mean question! The Rhone perhaps... Those were the wines which my father first shared with me and it is just such a beautiful region with extremely collaborative and adventurous winemakers.

Which winemaker do you most admire?

Where do I begin... The Henschke family really impressed me. I know they make incredible wine but their forward thinking in regards to sustainability and the future of our planet was really impressive. They are also a really close family who can all work extremely well together… And I love their dog.

What do you do to relax?

I love the endorphin hit from working out, but really it is people who make me happy and relaxed. Having my old school friends around to mine, creating a smorgasbord of dips and cheese and opening a delicious bottle or two of wine is my happy place. 

What’s been your greatest triumph?

Being shortlisted for this award is definitely up there, and working with The Wine Show. But I guess for personal and professional reasons, it has been the fact that I have been able to make a career out of what I love and I haven’t had to compromise on my values.

And what’s your most embarrassing moment?

Too many... Last week I fell flat on my face at 67 Pall Mall after leaving a Californian Cabernet tasting. It was in front of a bunch of a people and I was in such a hurry to leave that I left my mobile phone and tasting notes... I then had to return minutes later to ask for them back and face all those same people again...

@amelias_wine
www.amelias-wine.com

The IWSC Wine Communicator of the Year 2018 will be announced at the Vinitaly Gala Dinner on 14 April in Verona.