The Proust Q&A: Jancis Robinson MW
5th October, 2012
by
Lucy Shaw
Cumbria-born Jancis Robinson MW OBE is one of the world’s most influential wine writers and authors. She writes a weekly column for the Financial Times, along with regular features for her Purple Pages website JancisRobinson.com. She also advises for the Queen’s wine cellar. She lives in London with husband Nick Lander, restaurant critic of the Financial Times. They have three children: Julia, William and Rose.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Setting off on holiday with my family.
What is your greatest fear?
Alzheimer’s.
Nelson Mandela.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Wine!
What is your current state of mind?
Delight at our forthcoming massive tome Wine Grapes, out this month.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
I don’t differentiate between male and female qualities.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Have you seen my Blackberry?
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
The restaurant critic of the Financial Times.
When and where were you happiest?
In various maternity wards.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I’d like to be able to convince myself that exercise is more important than work.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
The next two generations.
Where would you most like to live?
I’m happy commuting between London and France.
What is your most treasured possession?
I hate to admit it but it’s my laptop.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Lack of stamina. May I finish here?