Since November 2006 I have been studying for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (www.wset.co.uk) Diploma in Wines and Spirits. As I was awaiting the outcome of two final course work assignments which I have subsequently passed, I found out I had also been awarded the 'Thierry Cabanne Scholarship' based on my performance in the various examinations. I am absolutely over the moon as you may gather as this is a fantastic opportunity for me to experience the work of a wine importer close-up.

A bit of research had to be done of course, as I can't say I was entirely familiar with the name Thierry Cabanne although bells were ringing somewhere. I recalled an article back at the start of 2008 in the now defunct 'Wine & Spirit' magazine (it recently merged with Harper's) about Thierry's Wine Service and how a company would fare without its non-conformist founder at the helm. Thierry Cabanne sadly died in a car crash in the autumn of 2007, leaving the company to his trusted directors. They had pretty big shoes to fill as Thierry was much loved and respected in the world of wine having built a company with a reported turnover in excess of £80 million, which imports 1 in 4 bottles of French wine into the UK. The scholarship award is Thierry Cabanne's legacy.

On Monday January 19th, I met Matthew Dickinson who is Thierry's commercial director. He was presenting me with the award in London's Guild Hall.  How is that for a venue!? Pictured below I'm flanked by Matthew Dickinson and wine legend Michael Broadbent, who also handed over his Honorary Presidency of the WSET to Hugh Johnson (another wine legend) on the night.

Thierry's will be giving me a fantastic opportunity to experience this unique company in all its facets for a month. I'll be able to experience all areas of the wine business including sales, marketing, PR, logistics, retail, as well as producer visits and tastings and I am determined to make the most of my time with them over the coming summer. Watch this space as I'll be updating you on my experiences over the summer.