Approx read time:
4 minute read

Continuing our celebration of women in wine, we wanted to shine a spotlight on some of our own ladies! As a company whose workforce is predominantly female, it is fair to say that women have a huge influence on everything we do here at Corney & Barrow.

The gender gap is evident across many industries, and the wine world certainly has a reputation for being male dominated, so breaking down these stereotypes is an important goal for many of the C&B Team. As Lydia Kinsiona stated, “Women should not be apprehensive to work in the wine industry, it’s not a “men’s world” anymore…” to which we feel positive that things have already begun to change, and boundaries are being broken.

Therefore, we wanted to take this opportunity to introduce you to just a handful of ladies who make up the C&B Team and ask them to recommend their favourite Own Label wine – after all, these are the bottles that represent us.

 

Katie Rooney

Please introduce yourself.

I’m Katie Rooney, the Assistant Shop Manager at Ayr, Scotland. On a day-to-day basis, I look after our shop and help people pick out the perfect bottle of wine for them. As I am currently studying for my Diploma in wine, it helps sharpen my wine knowledge so that I can better advise customers. My other focus is organising and hosting tastings in our historic cellars.

 

What is your favourite wine from the C&B own label range and why

My pick is the C&B Sparkling Blanc de Blancs. It is made in the same way as Champagne but at a fraction of the price! It’s rich, bubbly, and delicious. It works perfectly as an apéritif but would also be fantastic with a plate of cheese and antipasti.

 

Lydia Kinsiona

Please introduce yourself.

I am Lydia Kinsiona, Data Manager. I have had several roles at Corney & Barrow since I started in 2000, but my current role consists of making sure all our data is set up accurately and securely across the company. Being a mum of two and working has been challenging as a woman, but I was very fortunate to have been supported with the correct balance between work and family life. Women should not be apprehensive to work in the wine industry, it’s not a “men’s world” anymore and looking at all the women working at/with Corney & Barrow, the feminine touch is definitely a plus.

 

What is your favourite wine from the C&B own label range and why?

Our Blanc IGP Côtes de Gascogne is a dry white wine, fresh in the nose and the palate, with a crisp acidity. Citrussy, green apples and gooseberries before a surprisingly long finish. This wine should be part of your “essential” weekly shopping list! It’s great on its own or paired with chicken, white fish, or a creamy pasta dish. I always remember participating in a blind tasting with customers years ago, where among some of our high-end white wines was the humble C&B Blanc. When customers discovered that their favourite wine on the table was none less than our very own label, they were pleasantly surprised!

 

Pippa Meneely

Please introduce yourself.

My name is Pippa (Pip) Meneely, and I work at the Oxenfoord office just outside of Edinburgh. My job is quite varied from day to day and involves helping to plan and put on events and tastings, coordinating visiting winemakers’ itineraries, designing wine lists for trade customers and providing sales support.

 

What is your favourite wine from the C&B own label range and why?

It has to be our White Burgundy. It’s a fantastic quality Mâcon Villages made by Maison Auvigue, with a lovely depth of flavour, including orchard fruits, a touch of buttery brioche and a lick of minerality. Balanced by good acidity, it is a refreshing (and affordable) style with versatility to match many dishes – from ham, egg and chips to something far classier – the sky is the limit.

 

Kelly Whitby

Please introduce yourself.

My name’s Kelly Whitby, and I have worked in our East Anglia shop for the last two years as Shop/ Events Assistant. I really enjoy how varied my role is, it includes general customer sales, window and shop displays, monthly themed wine tastings held on site and collaboration dinner events with various businesses in the town. I also manage our bars at Tattersalls, the largest horse sales in Europe, so it’s very interesting indeed!

 

What is your favourite wine from the C&B own label range and why?

My favourite Corney & Barrow wine is our St Émilion, which is a huge seller at our Tattersalls bars. I love the finish of spices and chocolate on this wine and I believe it is a red that is best enjoyed sipping in the bathtub!

 

Alice Gore

Please introduce yourself.

Hi, I’m Alice Gore and I have been at C&B for the past five years working in the Fine Wine and Merchanting Buying Teams. My role is fairly diverse, from helping with tastings to discovering more about our wines from Lebanon, South Africa and Australia.

 

What is your favourite wine from the C&B own label range and why?

My favourite C&B Own Label wine is the Rioja Crianza, made for us by the talented Maribel Bernardo at her small family-run estate, Bodegas Zugober. With its intense red fruit, rich plum and dark cherry, coupled with warming spices coming through on the palate, this is an absolute gem! As the weather is still a bit chilly, I would pair this with a really hearty stew or slow-roasted shoulder of lamb.