From business management to exploring vineyards and winemaking around the world. Wine writer, educator – and Birmingham Living columnist – David Carne recounts his unconventional career path, and how he became a member of an exclusive group numbering fewer people than have been to space!
BEEN THERE, DONE THAT
My route into wine education and writing hasn’t been conventional. My professional background is in leadership, business management, executive coaching and professional development, but I’ve always enjoyed drinking wine and been curious about how grapes can be transformed into so many different styles and flavours through the magic of winemaking. I began learning more about wine and oenology (the scientific study of wine) by visiting vineyards and talking to owners, before taking my WSET Level 1 with Birmingham Wine School. I’ve since completed Levels 2 and 3, plus qualifications in Cava, Champagne, Rioja and Sherry.
IT’S WHAT I DO
As I learned more about wine, I began sharing that knowledge through my website, Instagram and publications, including Birmingham Living. I also run tastings and, in the New Year, will be working with Jake at Birmingham Wine School writing their blog and delivering some new tastings focused on my areas of expertise. Ultimately, I help people understand and enjoy wine more.
BIGGEST SUCCESS
Earlier this year I submitted a thesis on British perceptions of Cava to the Cava Regulatory Board and won the prize for best submission. The prize was a trip to the region, packed with vineyard and winery visits, specialist tastings, food pairings and meetings with leading producers, as well as the opportunity to become an Advanced Cava Educator. I met some fantastic wine colleagues, sommeliers and educators from around the world, tasted a lot of Cava and came home convinced there is far more to it than the cheap supermarket bottles many of us know. I’m not sure how many Advanced Cava Educators there are globally, but it’s fewer than the number of people who have been to space.
BIGGEST LESSON LEARNED
I’ve always been drawn to the lesser-known regions, the small wineries and the less famous names. If I was starting again, I’d worry much less about what everyone else was doing and find my niche in wine sooner. Being easy to work with is an underrated superpower. You’d be surprised how many opportunities come from treating people well and doing what you say you’ll do.
WHAT I’D LIKE TO SEE
What I’d really love to do is help people feel more at ease with wine, find the wines they genuinely love and enjoy the experience without feeling they need to know all the rules. I’d also love to publish a wine book and am current working through a first draft. And finally, I want to introduce the world to the amazing wines of central Europe, especially Hungary.
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BRUM
For wine lovers, Birmingham is a fantastic city. From niche wine bars and independent wine shops to restaurants with great wine lists, regular tastings and even a city-centre winery, there’s far more going on than people might realise.
DOWNTIME
Wine comes with an inbuilt desire to travel, so I love to explore the world, one glass at a time. My other passion is music and I play a number of instruments.