Meet Our Hosts: Richard Lane
Hello, Joel here. It’s Spring 2022 and it’s almost the beginning of our fifth year of tours! There’s not to go until we’re back out in the Surrey and Hampshire countryside tasting craft beers fresh from the cask, drinking G&T's in picturesque distilleries, and sipping fine English fizz while exploring the vineyards. We cant wait to share it all with you again!
As we’ve grown over the past four years, so to has our team, and over the next couple of blogs I wanted to introduce you to our fantastic hosts who will be helping me lead our tours this year. First up, please meet Richard!
I first met Richard when he joined one of my In The Spirit whisky tastings in Winchester back in 2019. It was clear he had a passion for quality drinks! It was time of change in Richard’s life - after years of travelling to London and back for work, he had decided a career change was in order. I’ll let Richard tell his story…
“From a family that was involved in the mainstream brewing industry to camping holidays in France my interest in drinks started at an early age. After a 25-year City career in finance, where I was fortunate to be able to travel and hone my passion for wine, I decided to improve my appreciation and knowledge further by studying with the Wines and Spirits Education Trust.
A bit of a traditionalist when it comes to wine I enjoy oaked chardonnay or Bordeaux blends, but I also relish the challenge of tracking down new wines from all over the world.
Today, I’m amazed how the drinks industry in Hampshire has been transformed and now produces world class sparkling wine, spirits and craft beers. As a tour guide I enjoy meeting fellow drinks enthusiasts and showing them part of this growing industry. I’m fascinated by all aspects of drinks making whether it’s in the vineyard, winery, brewery or distillery as there’s always something new to learn.”
Richard lead his first tours with us last year, entertaining our guests with his stories and racking up an impressive haul of five-star reviews! We’re thrilled to have him as part of team leading some of our Hampshire tours again in 2022.