Jim has been involved in the business of selling wines for over four decades – practically as man and boy. During this time, he undertook the Wine And Spirit Educational Trust exams up to and including the Diploma Level. He won a scholarship for the Higher Certificate level that took him to Germany for three weeks in 1980 to spend time in the vineyards and wineries, which consolidated his love for wine. He gained his Diploma in Wines and Spirits in 1982.
He also owned a restaurant in Wimbledon, London, for three and a half years in the mid 1990s. He returned to his first love – wine – and opened the Jolly Vintner Too Wine Shop in May 2006. He hasn’t looked back since.
He is passionate about sharing his knowledge of all things wine and spirit-related either during a tasting or when you visit his shop.