Meet the Signature Wines Experts
Posted on Fri 21st Feb 2014 at 13:55
Signature Wines specialises in exploring new regions, bringing exciting and undiscovered wines to the UK; with a specific interest in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Signature is committed to investing in a dedicated team of professionals and industry experts to help develop and promote each brand. We want our customers to consider us to be more than just an importer and distributor; we aim to be a partner you can rely on to source and supply the best wines from exciting new regions.
- Dee Bhatia Founder & CEO Founder and CEO of Signature, Dee has an ongoing passion for the Balkans region both in business and socially. Dee was impressed with the Stobi Winery, the quality of their wine, their team and the company’s philosophy and so was keen to appoint the brand to the Signature portfolio. Focused on bringing high-quality, undiscovered wines to a British audience, Dee has been pleased to provoke a great response from retailers, industry experts and Masters of Wine for the Stobi brand.
- Dane Jovanov Stobi Winery Winemaker Dane has travelled widely in pursuit of his craft - Bordeaux, Italy, South Africa and received his wine making degree in 2005. Dane is committed to creating the best wines possible which reflect the terroir of Tikveš. He uses his experience to get the best from both indigenous and international varieties alike. Working alongside his father whose knowledge of the region is second to none.
- Caroline Gilby Master of Wine Caroline was the first MW to join the Signature Wines team; selected because of unique knowledge and expertise in wines from the Balkans and Eastern Europe. A Master of Wine since 1992, Caroline was a senior wine retail buyer before becoming a freelance writer and consultant to the industry. Caroline regularly writes for magazines including Decanter, Harpers, The Drinks Business, and frequently hosts master classes and seminars across the UK and Europe, and judges wines worldwide.
- Justin Howard-Sneyd Master of Wine Justin is an integral member of the Signature Wines team responsible for the development and strategic planning of launching Stobi Wines into the UK. Justin entered the profession in 1991 and has worked in retail and has run wine tasting courses before turning his attention to vintages from South Africa, France, Hungary and Romania. Justin has also worked as a wine buyer for leading supermarkets and became a Master of Wine in 1999. In 2005 he became head of the buying team at Waitrose before moving to Direct Wines as Global Wine Director.
- Jo Ahearne Master of Wine Jo is delighted to be working closely with Signature Wines; helping Stobi winemakers structure their approach and enhance wines specifically for the UK market. Jo was carefully selected to be part of the Signature Wines team because of her impressive experience in the wine trade. Jo completed her Oenology BSc. in 1998 and became a Master of Wine in 2008. She has worked for retailers and wineries as well as global brands like Jacobs Creek, Leasingham and Hardy’s and now works as a winemaking consultant in France, Spain, Italy, Hungary and Romania.