About The Independent Vintner
The Independent Vintner was set up by Giles Smith-Walker in 2012. It was taking part in the 1999 Champagne harvest that confirmed his calling into the trade. Giles spent the next 10 years at family run wine merchant Berry Bros & Rudd starting in retail, selling to private clients then his real passion for 7 years in the corporate hospitality department, organising and hosting numerous events and wine tastings.
The Independent Vintner can offer a personal service for any individual or company whether it is helping choose an interesting wine, organising and hosting a wine tasting and dinner, selecting wines for investing in future drinking, independent storing and managing wine collections. Giles can tailor the service to your exact requirements and is able to offer impartial advice.
Wine travel has been a new venture, mainly in France to Burgundy, Bordeaux and Champagne, with trips to Italy coming. They are short trips visiting great wine producers with fun tastings and great local food.
Giles has the Wine & Spirit Education Trust- Diploma and is an active member of The Vintners Company in the City (also a great venue for a tasting!)