Helen Savage
Helen Savage is one of Britain's most respected and knowledgeable wine writers and educators. She first shared her passion for wine with adult education classes over twenty five years ago at the Centre for Lifelong Learning at Newcastle University (now run by Sunderland University), and went on to direct the UK's first University Certificate in Wine Studies.
Every year since 1986, as part of her busy and ever-popular schedule of wine education, Helen Savage has run wine study tours to France and other European countries. Her depth of experience in this field now forms the basis of a major new venture in partnership with Jamie Harrison: Vine Visit; since April 2008 Vine Visit has been offering an exciting programme of wine events, from tastings and classes to holidays to a dozen different venues - see their site for the 2010 programme.
Helen is a member of the Association of Wine Educators, which sets the highest standards in wine education in the UK and an increasing number of other countries. She continues to offer informal classes in all aspects of wine; details of the Summer 2010 season are now available on our Schedule page with courses and dinners for all tastes.
For an introduction to Helen's educational approach, watch a video of a mini-tutorial on how to taste wine (and why you might want to practice in the bath first!)
For over fifteen years Helen Savage has been wine correspondent of the The Journal (the leading UK regional daily paper, based in Newcastle), and has won much respect for her writing. As a result, she has just been shortlisted for the second year running for a prestigious Louis Roederer prize for wine writers. Her new book on French wine will be published in the New Year. She is also, again, a national finalist in the Champagne Ambassador's Award - organised by the Champagne Industry for wine educators. Her passion for wine and her determination to find the brightest most innovative winemakers is indefatigable.
In 1990 she was awarded the Diploma (with honours) of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust and in 2005 wa made a member of the prestigious Circle of Wine Writers. As a freelance wine writer Helen is delighted to consider commissions from publishers in the UK and abroad. Some in-depth essays on great - and up and coming - wine regions are published exclusively on this web site; and for a lighter note, you can now also read Helen's blog.
Helen has a superb first-hand knowledge of French wine. Over many years, she has visited hundreds of small growers across the country. She has owned a house in France since 1991 and speaks fluent French. She has a special interest in the wines of southwest France, but adores Burgundy.
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Last update: 28th August 2010
