Entrepreneurial Alumni

Sophie Griffiths

Posted 01 September 2018

New York Program

September 2008 Intake

My business https://www.vignettewine.com/ is a wine consultancy that produces creative wine experiences and also works with wine brands to help them better tell their story and connect with consumers. I’ve always loved wine, and a few years ago decided to start studying for the professional wine qualifications, alongside my advertising day job. I loved every second of it, and this year came the opportunity to take the plunge and see if I could make my “side hustle" my main hustle. It’s early days and I’m learning new things and facing new challenges every day but so far it was the best decision I ever made. The hardest step is that first one!

In the UK particularly there is still so much ‘wine anxiety’. We're a nation of advanced foodies yet our attitude to wine is still that it’s something very fancy and intimidating. The perception is that you must be an expert before you can really engage in it, which of course isn’t the case.

My approach is to focus on wine as a multi-sensory and ultimately subjective experience. My events are focused on building confidence, empowering you to get to know your own palate and your preferences and innovate the traditional “tasting” experience into something much more interactive and creative. All my content is underpinned by insights from neuroscience, so it really is a totally unique way for people to engage with wine.

I do private and public sessions and also corporate events from large to small. So if you're looking for something unique and insightful, a way to engage clients or build and reward a team please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

I’m hosting two art-inspired, experiential wine evenings at the Leyden Gallery in Spitalfields on 24th Oct and 21st Nov, and I’d be delighted to offer Mountbatten Alumni a 20% discount off the ticket price (usually £55, includes nibbles, paired cheese and welcome drink) if you contact me directly through info@vignettewine.com. You can find out more about the evenings, at vignettewine.com/book.

I look forward to sharing a glass of wine with some Mountbatten Alumni soon!