SOMM TV wine & food Episode 270: The family behind a billion bottles
Nov 5, 2025
Tony and Barbara Laithwaite, the dynamic duo behind a billion bottles of wine, reflect on their 50-year journey in the industry. They share insights on the challenges and triumphs of producing English sparkling wines, the importance of patience, and their family's commitment to the wine business without an exit plan. Discover how the Laithwaites revolutionized wine retail with their innovative club model, and hear their thoughts on wine tourism in England and the stunning pairings with their own sparkling creations.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Half Century Of Shared Wine Life
- Tony and Barbara have worked together in wine for over 50 years, predating their marriage and building a lifelong partnership.
- They traveled constantly through Bordeaux and the English countryside to discover wines and build their trade.
Curation Is The Core Job
- Tony defines his job as wandering vineyards, meeting producers, tasting and persuading customers to buy the wines.
- That roaming curation underpins Laithwaite's identity as a wine merchant and storyteller.
Translate Ideas Into Practical Plans
- Barbara handled numbers, logistics and turned Tony's ideas into practical, testable projects like wine subscriptions.
- Make financial and operational plans before scaling ideas to ensure projects actually work.