The English Wine Diaries
The English Wine Diaries is a weekly interview series with Rebecca Pitcairn, editor, journalist and founder of The Southern Quarter, an online lifestyle magazine about English Wine. Each week Rebecca is joined by a special guest from the world of wine (and beyond) to talk all about their English wine journey. From sommeliers to vineyard owners, hoteliers and some rather familiar faces too, discover how a love of wine – particularly that made on British soil – has helped shape their lives and careers. www.englishwinediaries.co.uk.
The English Wine Diaries
Episode 92 – Sam Weatherill, Wine director at Etch by Steven Edwards
Joining me on today’s episode of The English Wine Diaries is Sam Weatherill, wine director at etch. by Steven Edwards, an award-winning restaurant based in Hove, East Sussex founded by 2013 Master Chef the Professionals winner, Steven Edwards.
Since the restaurant opened in 2017, etch has gained a cult following and global reputation for its wine offering – particularly that made in Great Britain; it is said to have the second largest selection of English sparkling wine in the country, after 67 Pall Mall.
Born and raised in Brighton, Sam, who goes by the moniker Sassy Sommelier and runs the monthly pop-up wine tasting event Zest Wine Club in his home city, came into the wine trade late on, after studying economics and subsequently completing a MA in Corruption and Governance.
He now holds the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wine, is a certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers and an ambassador for the British Wine WSET Diploma.
During his time at etch, the restaurant has won Star List’s Contemporary Wine List of the Year in 2023 as well as Best Medium Sized wine list in 2024 and, while Sam has ranked number 19 in the Sommelier Edit Top 100 and, at this year’s London Wine Fair, claimed the prestigious Wine Buyer On-Trade Single Venue Wine Buyer Award.
We talk about unusual food and wine pairings, the top sellers at etch and what the UK is doing that's a little bit different to elsewhere in the world when it comes to wine.
Follow Sam @sassysommelier on Instagram, check out @zestwineclub for news on his latest tastings and visit etchfood.co.uk to see the latest tasting menu and book a table.
With thanks to series sponsor, Wickhams, The Great British Wine Merchant. Visit wickhamwine.co.uk to open an account and see their award-winning range of English wine and bottles from around the globe that have exceptional stories to tell.
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