Meet Laura Evans, Squerryes’ Master of Wine

Meet Squerryes estate accountant, Laura Evans, often found nose deep in spreadsheets, but also as a Master of Wine, in wine web sites and books, discovering new English wine brands for our farm shop shelves, as well as special new and old world wine brands for our restaurant wine list. As one of only 400 Master of Wines in the world, and one of the original Brits, we are very lucky to have Laura as part of our team.

What made you want to become a Master of Wine?

As a teenager, I’d go into wine shops, and was fascinated by the different labels and countries. I realised that there’s a story behind every bottle, and a whole world of variety, which has always been the appeal for me.

How long does it take to become one?

It’s a very rigorous examination, and typically takes around seven years of training to complete. Tasting is probably the hardest part, but it’s also a great discipline to learn, because once you’ve been taught how to taste, it stays with you forever.

Tell us about your role at Squerryes

I taste the base wines to help decide on the Squerryes blends for each vintage we release. As we don’t produce still wines on the estate, I also choose wines for our restaurant wine list that showcases what good wine should be; made with passion, in exceptional terroir by great people.

I’ll also help the team with selecting wines to sell in our on site wine shop the Cellar Door, write tasting notes, and match wines for our Squerryes member events, and wine and cheese evenings.

It must be an exciting time for English wine…

When I first discovered English wine in the 1970s, it wasn’t a serious industry by any means, but the idea of producing sparkling wine was absolutely inspired. Our soil and climate is so similar to Champagne’s, which has transformed the industry.

Finally, what’s your favourite Squerryes wine, and what do you love about it?

Our Blanc de Blancs 2014 is such a special, impressive wine. It’s got the Squerryes style, but in a really pure form. Using 100% Chardonnay grapes, we’ve made a beautiful, elegant wine with great length and complexity.