Julian Brind MW dies

Julian Brind MW has passed away after suffering a heart attack on Sunday, 19 December.

Brind was a consultant at UK retailer Waitrose, having worked for the store since 1971.

Brind entered the wine trade in 1964 as a management trainee with Brown and Pank Wine & Spirit Co of Watney Mann Breweries.

He passed the Master of Wine exam in 1970 and in 1971 he joined Waitrose as central buyer, where he remained for the rest of his career, eventually becoming head of buying for wines, spirits, beers and soft drinks.

Brind was also active in the academic side of the industry and in his career acted as chair of the MW Panel of Examiners, chairman of the Institute of Masters of Wine, ombudsman to the Circle of Wine Writers and in 2002 was elected president of the Wine & Spirit Association.

"Julian was instrumental in evolving the Waitrose wine department and was also in charge of both beers & spirits and soft drinks during part of his tenure," said a statement from Waitrose.

"Julian was a true gentleman and his incredible knowledge of wine combined with superb retail acumen made him a charismatic figure who was respected throughout the industry.

"He laid the foundations for our wine business which for many people remains the benchmark in the industry and resulted in numerous industry awards and accolades for the team – which continue today.

"Although retired, Julian still worked with Waitrose on a consultancy basis and came in weekly to taste and check wines for quality control/positive release.

"He will be sadly missed by both his Waitrose colleagues and the drinks industry. We are saddened at the loss of an inspirational man, a dedicated colleague of many years and a great personal friend. Our thoughts are with his family at this time and everyone whose lives he touched."

Nick Room, wine buyer at Waitrose, added his own tribute: "Julian Brind MW ran the wine department at Waitrose for over 35 years. Among the many initiatives during this time, he ordered one of the first consignments of  Sauvignon from New Zealand long before it became anything like fashionable; that was 1973.

"He piloted the Waitrose assortment with masterly direction, always motivated by the desire to find new wines that continue to make Waitrose different, while maintaining the customer favourites which were the bedrock of the range.

"He inspired his team with an eagerness to learn more about wine, indeed his enthusiasm for the subject was continually infectious.

"Above all, he was a shrewd negotiator for price and quality, regarding true value only when both criteria were met in full. He monitored – and commented – on the quality of our assortment as consultant to Waitrose even after he retired.

"Julian stoutly upheld the John Lewis Partnership’s principles of integrity and fair play, and mentored these characteristics in his protégés. His manner was impeccable in his dealings with the biggest established suppliers, but he revelled in nurturing the smaller artisanal producer, many of whom still retain a secure foothold within the Waitrose range."

Alan Lodge, 20.12.2010