David Pearce
A little about myself
I started my professional life as a Sommelier in a Michelin starred restaurant (1 of 42 in the whole of the UK at the time), before opening my own wine merchants. I focussed on high end Australian wines, many of which I imported myself as there simply was no allocation in the UK. I became known as the "go to" guy for all the ultra hard to find bottles, and exported to 17 different countries.
I then got a lucky when I was written about in the FT by Jancis Robinson. This led a book commission from a major publisher. I spent 7 weeks in Australia on a research trip - that was pretty fun. I got to visit virtually everyone, often staying at the winemakers house. Some rather epic bottles were enjoyed. Particular memories that stand out are staying with Best Great Western and having a Riesling from my birth year (1972), and being at Wynns with Sue Hodder and sampling Cabernet from 1964. Just magical!
This was followed up by a book on American wine, which was quite focused on California and in particular Napa and Sonoma. The publishers ran into issues though. The US lawyers didn't understand the concept of history, so said I have just copied information from wineries websites. These were often single sentences and I have not copied them. I had visited or interviewed every winery in the book and offered to get a signed letter, signing off every entry. They would not accept that though. Heartbreaking.
I took on a business partner to grow the business but it went wrong. They simply did zero work so the business folded (I paid off all the debts).
This led me to focus on my other passion photography, which I have been doing professionally now for 20 years. I focussed on weddings, food, drinks and sports. I have photographed 6 Olympic and Paralympic Games now.
Why did I start this site?
At a fundamental level, I believe wine is about people. I love visiting wineries and hearing stories from a diverse range of people working there. I have not seen that too much in wine writing. It is about the wines, the harvest, technical aspects or marketing blurb. I yearn to know the unknown, I want to uncover funny incidents, visitor interactions that are worth telling, why certain decisions have been made, accidents that have happened (not physical) and what their proudest achievements have been. So, I set about creating this site to visit or interview as many wineries of note as possible.
Why not just publish a physical annual guide?
I own a book publishing company but really favour online now. It means the information and knowledge is current (books have an incredibly long lead time) and entries can be updated easily. I am also not limited by space. Each entry can be as long as is needed, I can show multiple images and even film. It is altogether better.
What wines do I enjoy drinking?
I really don't have any favourites, but I do love lots of flavour. I really enjoy trying new wines as that excites me. It also depends who I am with, the time of day and if I am eating. I have an exceptionally diverse palate and always open to enjoying well made wine.
What would I change in the wine trade?
I would like to see full equality and lots of younger people. I would also like wine professionals to actually enjoy wine at times and not just analyse it.
What has been the most memorable winery visit I have had, and why?
Probably visiting Harlan Estate, Dominus and Grange Family Vineyards in Napa Valley. I was honoured to have 1-1 tastings of multiple vintages which was very special.
What advice would I give to someone just starting their journey in wine appreciation?
Don't get too caught up in the technical aspects - remember to enjoy the wine.
How has my time as a sommelier shaped your perspective on wine culture and its accessibility?
It is a fascinating subject and one that needs to be shared over a glass of wine...
What do I hope readers take away from the stories shared on Winery Diaries?
A connection to the wineries and people on a deeper level. I want to create a desire to visit them as well as buying their wines. People buy from people so if they feel that connection, through their stories, they are more likely to enjoy the wines.
