Our Committee
President
Robin Kinahan MW
How long have you been a member of the institute?
Since it started back in 1979
How did you first become involved in the institute?
I was working for John McKibbin & Son and we were keen to support the new Institute
What wine region would you most like to visit?
I would love to go back to the Moselle
Name your top 3 recommended wines
2005 Clos de Tart, Grand Cru, Mommessin
2002 Chablis ,1er Cru, Mont de Milieu. La Chablisienne
1990 Bernkasteler Doktor Riesling Auslese, Deinhard
What wine would you most like to taste?
2000 Chateau Lafite
Why would you recommend the institute to new people?
It is absolutely a great opportunity to meet regularly with like-minded people to discuss one of my favourite topics!
Vice-President
Alastair Bell DipWSET®
How long have you been a member of the institute?
Since approx.. 1991 / 1992
How did you first become involved in the institute?
I found out about the Institute at a DWS tasting where Jimmy Thom and some other members attended and Jimmy mentioned the Institute. At that time membership was closed to non-WSET graduates. Fortunately I had already passed my Basic Certificate (now the Intermediate Cert) and was able to join up. My first tasting was Bordeaux with Robin Kinahan MW
What wine region would you most like to visit?
That’s a difficult one as I have loved everywhere I have visited around the world. I am particularly fond of la Loire but with the exception of Sicily I have not visited Italy and would love to do a tour of the various regions there
Name your top 3 recommended wines
Bordeaux – Chateau Margaux – but I can’t afford it.
Sicily – Gulfi Nero d’Avola Nerojbelo (a single vineyard wine near Noto)
For stunning Loire sweeties – Chateau du Pierre Bisse - Coteaux du Layon Quart de Chaume or one of their other individual bottlings.
What wine would you most like to taste?
Chateau Petrus – anyone with a spare grand or 3?
Why would you recommend the institute to new people?
Vice-President
Susan Rees DipWSET®
How long have you been a member of the institute?
Since 2007, but I attended before then on a Corporate Membership
How did you first become involved in the institute?
I was studying for my WSET Diploma and it was a great opportunity to try different wines.
What wine region would you most like to visit?
Mendoza, Argentina
Name your top 3 recommended wines
This is a practically impossible question to answer, as one of the things I love about wine is the variety and the opportunity to try new wines. So today I love Inama Soave, Veneto, Italy; Vilmart Grand Cellier NV, Champagne, France & Clunia Tempranillo, Castilla, Spain, but if you ask me tomorrow, I’ll probably give you a completely different answer!
What wine would you most like to taste?
Some of the 1st growth Clarets that are completely out of my price range.
Why would you recommend the institute to new people?
With a great range of visiting speakers it is a great opportunity to learn more about wine and try different wines in a relaxed a friendly atmosphere.
Vice-President
How long have you been a member of the institute?
Since 1998 - almost 20 years now
How did you first become involved in the institute?
Through my WSET Tutor, Myra Greer
What wine region would you most like to visit?
I would like to re-visit Priorat as it has a special feel
Name your top 3 recommended wines
Champagne - As it gladdens one's heart
Chablis - For its crisp, crunchy apple freshness
Claret - For its incredible versatility and sense of Place
What wine would you most like to taste?
There is sufficient variety in the 3 recommended wines to endure for a lifetime
Why would you recommend the institute to new people?
The Institute is a not-for-profit Wine & Spirit Fraternity that does not let the education overshadow the enjoyment and enjoying wine with friends really enhances its pleasure.