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Philip Tuck MW dies in cycling accident
Philip Tuck MW, who co-founded and served as the director of wine for Hatch Mansfield, died in a cycling accident in France yesterday.
Born in 1963, Tuck graduated from Sussex University and went straight into the wine trade, joining Avery’s of Bristol in 1986, where he remained for five years – “probably far too long”, in his words.
He would then spend time abroad working in wineries in the South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, California and Tuscany, a decision motivated by, in his words, “the drive to pass the MW exams”.
He would return to the UK shores in 1993 and help to establish the “New” Hatch Mansfield the following year alongside Mark Calver and Patrick McGrath MW.
In 1999 he did indeed pass his exams and became a Master of Wine. He would also later sit on the MW Council.
He was also an accomplished sportsman, being an active member of the Wine Trade Sports Club, and was noted as a keen cricketer and squash player.
A statement from Hatch Mansfield CEO McGrath issued yesterday evening read: “‘It is with great sadness that we report that Philip Tuck MW, wine director at Hatch Mansfield has passed away this morning. Philip was involved in a cycling accident abroad and suffered a major injury from which he did not recover. More details at this early stage are not known and we ask that his family’s privacy is respected at this time.”
A spokesperson for the Institute of Masters of Wine wrote: “Phil touched so many people’s lives both within the IMW and the wider world of wine. Since becoming an MW in 1999 Phil was actively involved in the IMW. Many will remember him from his regular attendance at study programme seminars, as the practical panel chair from 2014 – 2018 and as a member of Council.”
Tributes to Tuck from various leading figures in the wine industry have been also paid via social media:
Shocked to hear Phil Tuck MW died today. He was always a stickler for standards and that’s the biggest lesson I learnt from him. He was always a champion of wine quality and loved the wine trade. We will miss you Phil.
— Mike Best (@BestyMike) July 20, 2023
So incredibly shocked to hear of the passing of Phil Tuck MW earlier today after a cycling accident in France. He’s going to leave a massive hole in the @mastersofwine institute and the entire UK wine trade. So very sad.
— Greg Sherwood MW (@gregsherwoodmw) July 20, 2023
Completely shocked to hear of Phil Tuck MW’s untimely passing. What a loss. I will miss him, his sense of mischief, his sense of fun and his sharp mind. RIP dear Phil.
— Anne Krebiehl MW (@AnneInVino) July 20, 2023
So sad to hear of Phil Tuck MW’s passing. He was always incredibly generous with his time and knowledge. Disciplined but decorous, hard nosed but soft hearted. I have a lot to thank him for and the world is a lesser place tonight. Having a glass for you Phil @mastersofwine
— Anna Spooner (@AnnaSpooner) July 20, 2023
One of the most wonderful people in wine. A fearsome MW tutor (“The Friar”), and a genuine and warm friend to so many across the business. Brilliant, dry, funny, and generous. I am so very sorry to hear this. https://t.co/k6WXZmXYeJ
— Joe Fattorini (@joefattorini) July 21, 2023
I’m so, so sad to hear of Phil Tuck’s death. We started the MW course on the same day, passed on the same day and then ran courses together. Supremely professional, loyal and mischievous. I always assumed we would become cantankerous old wine codgers together. I will miss him.
— David Round (@davidroundmw) July 21, 2023
Tuck is survived by his wife, Kate, and son, Felix.
*An earlier version of this article incorrectly gave Tuck’s age as 60, not 59.