Paul Walker
Past Chairman 2023
2014
I’ve been in the Hospitality & Wine industry for over 15 years, originally starting in small Country House Hotels, working my way up to Senior Food & Beverage Management within 5 Star hotel & resorts, working with Michelin Star Chefs & award-winning wine lists. In 2016, I crossed sides, to work for William Grant & Son’s & Piper-Heidsieck and now work as an International Account Manager for Pernod-Ricard, with Perrier-Jouët & G.H.Mumm Champagnes.
I started enjoying Champagne at a relatively young age and tried my first Dom Perignon & Cristal before the age of 20, so was eager to continue my experience & learning. I attended the course in 2014, and have many fond memories Ranging from, watching a young sommelier try to sabarage a quarter bottle with a butter knife, to being invited into the Charles-Heidsieck Oenothèque, and as a group deciding upon a bottle to open. As it was one of groups birthday that day, we chose a bottle from his birth year, a 1979 Champagne Charlie en Magnum, un-disgorged. A very special bottle, enjoyed with new friends.
I will usually defer to wine in any situation, with Champagne a favourite, and I am always impressed by Champagne Charles Heidsieck’s Brut Reserve.
Paul
More Info
Chairman, where for 2023, I have the honour to lead the Academy, hosting events and the 2023 Course In France.
What is your most memorable Champagne moment?
The first time I got to try Cristal, it was with friends, in the staff accommodation of a hotel I worked in, after a very long day, and it was definitely appreciated.
How did you start your career in Wine & Champagne?
In spite of all the amazing Champagne & talks, I will always remember a fellow Academician, attempting to teach us all Sabrage... with a butter knife!
What is your current role in the industry?
I currently work in the International Account Management team for Pernod Ricard, with G.H. Mumm & Perrier-Jouet Champagnes.
3 Interests Outside of The Champagne World
Food, DIY & Whisky
What is your favourite quote?
“I drink champagne when I win, to celebrate… and I drink champagne when I lose, to console myself.” –Napoleon Bonaparte
Why Champagne?
Why not!