Few people have done more to turn buying a bottle of wine into a memorable experience than Graeme Foster of Rye Fine Wines. Together with Cathy, Graeme has created a warm and welcoming destination where expert knowledge, great conversation and a genuine love of wine are shared in equal measure. Whether introducing customers to a new favourite vintage, supporting local events, or bringing people together over a glass of something special, Graeme has become a familiar and much-valued figure in Rye’s thriving independent business community. It’s time to discover the man behind the wine.
Over to you, Graeme.
If you could share a bottle of wine with three well-known people, who would they be and what would you pour?
Tom Gilbey – wine expert and broadcaster who tasted some wine every mile of his 25-mile marathon and had to guess the origin and grape varietal. A great character in the wine industry. Keith Floyd – made me realise that cooking can be enjoyable and never be afraid to try different things… with a glass of wine to hand. Carl Sagan – astronomer and scientist who narrated Cosmos, a mind-blowing series about cosmic evolution.
What are the three biggest mistakes people make when buying wine?
Saying they hate a particular grape variety before trying it (e.g. “I hate Chardonnay” but they love a Chablis!).
Buying cheap wines that aren’t bottled at source, often full of sulphites that create skin reactions and headaches.
Looking at Vivino thinking that the price on there is always correct… it isn’t.
Which three wines have surprised you most during your wine journey?
Negroamaro, Biancollella and Forastera. The first one because it offers a wonderfully rounded, fruitful red wine, and the other two are from the Italian volcanic island of Ischia and blended into a stunning white wine that I adore.
If your personality was bottled, what three words would appear on the label?
Bold, earthy and characterful.
What are the three strangest or most memorable places you have enjoyed a glass of wine?
An outdoor party in Monzanillo, Mexico where I had been wonderfully kidnapped by the staff at the hotel where I was staying. They didn’t speak English, I don’t speak Spanish… it was fantastic!
The top of the vineyard on the volcanic island of Ischia. Dramatic and beautiful.
The 18th green at St Andrew’s Golf Club.
You can only save three wines from your cellar when a flood is approaching. What would you save?
Probably the Brunello di Montalcino, Meursault and Henschke Hill of Grace.
What three foods do people wrongly believe won’t pair with wine?
The most classic one is that you can’t pair red wine with fish: of course you can.
Crisps. Good crisps with some English sparkling wine. Yum.
Beetroot! I hate the stuff but have to concede it probably would go with something, but not on my watch!
After a long day, what are your three ingredients for a perfect evening?
My partner Cathy, a lovely dinner and, of course, a fine wine to accompany them.
What three things about you would people be surprised to know?
I was one of the three contestants on the original series of Blind Date. I didn’t get picked!
I was the voice-of-God and voice-over specialist for the National Training Awards at the Guildhall in London hosted by Joanna Lumley.
I can actually be quiet for more than five minutes! (Probably when I’m asleep).
What three jobs would you be hopeless at and why?
Plumbing, building and house cleaning, because I don’t have the patience, they don’t interest me and to be honest, I’m useless at all three! I’d rather pay someone to do it for me.
What three things would you like to be remembered for?
Being decent, caring and fun.
What are the three greatest pleasures of living and working in Rye?
It’s a very sensory town. Whether its wine, food, music or the arts, Rye has it all.
The eclectic mix of people and personalities.
Its wonderful rich history and natural beauty.
Which three songs are guaranteed to get you singing along?
Rapper’s Delight by the Sugarhill Gang (I know all the words)
Harvest Moon by Neil Young (beautiful track)
Still A Freak (I recorded my version of The Waterboys’ song entitled Still A Wine Freak with my talented musical mates in a recording studio in St Leonards.)
Finally, if Rye Fine Wines had to be described in just three words, what would they be?
Ambient, relaxing and fine wine (I know it’s four but the wine is damn fine).
Image Credits: Graeme Foster .