Caron Fanshawe Dip WSET
Tours and Education Manager
With International Women's Day just around the corner (March 8th), we wanted to celebrate some of the most fantastic women in wine and shine a spotlight on Hambledon Vineyard's talented females who work tirelessly to make Hambledon English Sparkling Wine the Finest English Fizz.
Today, we kick-off our series with Hambledon Vineyard's Tours & Education Manager, Caron Fanshawe.
If you've been lucky enough to come to one of our ever-so-popular Vineyard Tours & Tastings, you might have met Caron. She has been working at Hambledon Vineyard for over 2 years now and has become an integral part of the team, using her extensive wine knowledge to help educate customers and colleagues alike!
How about a little introduction, Caron?
Hi, I am Caron, and I run the tours and education programme at Hambledon. I grew up in a Naval family and spent time in Gibraltar and Egypt, before settling in Plymouth. After graduating I worked in London, before moving to Petersfield, Hampshire where I currently live with my family.
What’s your relationship to wine in general? The decisions that led to you working in wine?
When I graduated I wanted to do something different so I worked at Christie’s, in the Education Dept, where evening wine courses were on offer, as well as fine and decorative art courses. I became fascinated with wine and took up the post of General Manager with Arblaster & Wine Tours, where I planned and led wine tours throughout the world’s wine regions.
Who are your role models?
Freya Stark, the anglo-italian explorer.
Jane Hunter OBE, CNZM owner of Hunter’s Wines in Marlborough, New Zealand. Jane won the Wine & Spirit Competition Women in Wine Award (UK) in 2003, she became a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2009. Jane started Hunter’s with her husband Ernie, in took over. Jane was the first woman to be inducted into the NZ Wine Hall of Fame
What would be your advice to young women starting in the industry?
That there is no ceiling to the opportunities available to you; network – the wine industry is small and supportive – don’t be afraid to approach the big names at tastings etc and introduce yourself and ask for advice; you will be met with nothing but encouragement and support. Engage with the pioneering female members of the wine industry – they will be your mentors. Tipple Talk’s Katrina Smith has been instrumental in my wine journey. Contact local wineries and enquire about work experience or even just the chance to come for a behind the scenes look around. At Hambledon everyone is welcome and we love engaging with those looking to enter the wine industry or studying for wine exams."
The only barriers to success are those imposed by yourself – embrace every opportunity, both at home and overseas, and enjoy it!”
Cheers!
