Lifetime Achievement Award 2007

Pat Straker

During a journalistic career spanning almost five decades, Pat Straker has been both a leading commentator and a great ambassador for the international wine trade.

As a student he was a keen linguist, taking a particular interest in classics. Having graduated he joined the Royal Navy to complete two years of national service, and his time at sea introduced him to the delights of travel, journeying to many places, including Hong Kong, the Caribbean, the Suez Canal and Singapore. It is a passion that has remained close to his heart ever since.

After completing his service in 1958, Straker had his first introduction to the drinks trade, spending two years in the vineyards of Jerez. During his time in Spain he met the beautiful daughter of one of the biggest Sherry producers – though db has promised to reveal no more!

Pat was introduced to some dear friends working on the bodegas – many of whom are still active in the Sherry industry. His annual visits to the region later in his writing career are thus some of the visits he most enjoys, affording him the opportunity to catch up with old companions, as well as indulge in the local cuisine.

Having left Jerez (of his own accord, we must point out, not being chased by the father of his beau!) he crossed the border and headed north to Champagne. Again, he established long-lasting friendships with other students of the business, a number of whom have progressed to the very summit of their profession.

The next stop on Straker’s tour of the Old World took him to Germany, where financial constraints meant he had to live under canvas – until the cold German winter forced him back to Blighty.

Returning to the UK, he joined Harpers Wine & Spirit Gazette, working under editor David Cranston, the successor to Mr Harper himself. Straker was eventually himself appointed editor of the magazine, and under his stewardship it continued to be the authoritative voice of the UK wine trade.

In 2002, in partnership with a number of his colleagues at Harpers, Pat was one of the founders of the drinks business, and he has been instrumental in turning the fledgling title into the most respected source of news, analysis and in-depth features for the UK drinks industry. In particular, he continues to be one of the foremost Sherry and Champagne commentators, with an unrivalled contacts book stretching back to his days in the vineyards.

In spite of his lifetime in the drinks trade, Straker decided to follow his father by joining the Worshipful Company of Girdlers (that’ll be sword, belt and sash makers, for the uninitiated). Having decided not to join the Vintners, he has still spent his time in the guild as a vocal ambassador for the trade, chairing the Girdlers’ Wine Committee and organising a memorable tour around the leading French wine regions.

Ever an ambassador for the industry, we honour Pat for a lifetime spent spreading the vinous gospel and opening up the intimidating world of wine to countless consumers.