2nd October 2023 | Life at Virgin Wines | 2 minute read
We’re over the moon to finally be able to announce that Sophie Lord, our lovely Head of Buying, has been named ‘Wine Buyer of the Year’ at the Decanter Retailer Awards 2023. A truly incredible achievement, and a proud moment for us to have a Decanter award winner heading up our buying team.
We’ve been having to keep this huge secret under wraps, so we’re delighted to officially be able to share our wonderful news now that Decanter has unveiled all of this year’s runners-up and winners.
Thought of by many as “the Oscars of the wine industry”, the Decanter awards are a big deal in our world. A recognition from them is an honour we all strive for, and Sophie couldn’t be a more deserving winner of this pretty major category.
Described by one Decanter judge as “a great role model” for those working in the wine trade, Sophie has had quite the journey to reach this point in her career, connecting with many of our customers along the way.
Sophie joined the Virgin Wines crew 16 years ago in our customer services department, before becoming one of our top wine advisors for a number of years where she spent her time chatting to customers and getting to know what they love. Progressing through WSET | Wine & Spirit Education Trust qualifications in her spare time, she worked tirelessly to expand her wine expertise so she could give the best advice possible.
“Well, well, well that award couldn’t go to a more deserving lady. Sophie was my personal wine advisor several years ago and not only was she highly knowledgeable, but great fun too. She introduced me to Perez Cruz, still loving it today.” – Julie, Virgin Wines customer
Ever the team player with infectious enthusiasm, Sophie went on to become our very own inhouse WSET teacher, empowering Virgin Wines staff in every team across the business to gain their own wine qualifications, all the while continuing her exams and studies alongside this.
Since moving into our buying team, where she quickly impressed and rose to Head of Buying, Sophie now travels the world sourcing quality wines and working closely with winemakers to create exclusive blends for our website. She was even selected as one of the lucky few to attend the highly prestigious Champagne Academy in 2022, where she graduated with flying colours and further strengthened her knowledge of sparkling wine.
As you can tell, Sophie has always been a rising star in our eyes here at Virgin Wines, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for her now the rest of the industry knows it too.
Well done, Sophie!
