Private passions: James and his giant pumpkins

Born in Padstow, James Hocking began his career in banking for HSBC but soon became bored of the financial world so switched to the wine world after landing a job as beverage manager at Rick Stein’s The Seafood Restaurant in Cornwall. A bottle of 1992 Peter Michael Winery Les Pavots sparked his love of Californian wine, which led to him working his way up at California wine specialist The Vineyard Cellars to the role of director of wine. He sells gems from the Golden state to restaurants, hotels, other wine merchants and direct to consumers. He lives in Hampshire with his wife, daughter and two Siamese cats.

How did you first get into growing giant….