From London newcomer to leading tastemaker, the author, broadcaster and wine-club founder shares her wisdom from the front line of the wine industry
It’s been a busy few months for Hannah Crosbie, the Scottish-born, London-based wine writer, columnist and broadcaster who’s spent the first half of summer toasting the launch of her debut book, Corker. Although billed as a “deeply unserious wine book”, this gothic typeface-fronted tome gives an alternative take on an often dusty topic, offering wine selection advice hooked around real-life situations – from barbecues and boozy brunches to first dates or finalising a divorce – all brought to life by Crosbie’s charismatic prose.
Having first found her feet in the restaurant industry after arriving in the capital, she honed her knowledge as a wine copywriter before lockdown saw her find another vehicle for her “obsession” in the form of Dalston Wine Club, a semi-regular series of events aimed at London’s new wave of wine lovers. Along the way, she’s carved out a niche as one of London’s most relatable wine experts.
Beyond a series of launch events across the UK (“I also went to Ireland so I’m calling it a world tour”) Crosbie wraps up this summer with a handful of literary festival appearances. Photographed here by the sea in Margate, Crosbie charts her career to date, while explaining why our changing collective attitudes towards wine are long overdue.
Plus, for more London drinking inspiration, visit our list of the capital’s best bars.
HANNAH CROSBIE PHOTOGRAPHED BY SOPHIE DAVIDSON
How did your early years influence your career?
I grew up in Edinburgh with a very normal lower-middle-income background. My parents didn’t drink and I didn’t have many friends growing up so I didn’t go to many parties. Instead, I got my introduction to wine in the same way as many people from a similar background to me do, which was by working in hospitality.
I worked in restaurants to be able to afford to first move to London and then, when I got here, that continued with a job in a bistro. It was there that I first started to learn about wine. Later, I got my wine qualifications and became a copywriter for London-based retailers and merchants.
