Our Story So Far

The Northern Wine Guy (formerly The Devon Wine Guy) was created by Founder, Andrew Lofthouse, in an attempt to demystify the wine industry and ensure that we all enjoy having a good glass of wine or two after a hard day's work.

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Andrew had previously spent close to 20 years in the investment banking industry and throughout this time has had an ever increasing enthusiasm for the wine industry. Interlinked with this have been his two loves after his family - Wine and Cheese!! Having previously owned a wine and cheese business in Devon, he wanted to further this and do more to bring his two favourite topics to everyone.

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Having been fortunate enough to travel to various parts of the globe to further his depth of knowledge and understanding, whilst never straying far from the good part....the tasting and sampling of wines (and cheeses), he decided upon setting up a wine tasting and wine educational resource for all. By doing so, helping simplify the world of wine.

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Extensive global travel and research (mostly drinking!) throughout the world, has led him to be able to utilise this hands on experience to work towards higher qualifications within the wine industry. Andrew holds globally recognised and respected leading qualifications via the Wine and Spirits Education Trust and holds a Guild of Fine Foods Cheese Diploma.

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Andrew has extensive contracts across the UK with corporate clients, both in London and outside. With wine tasting group events showcasing his knowledge of wines, alongside wine cellar builds for HNW individuals and personal sommelier services. Andrew has had hands on experience of working for a Head Winemaker at one of the largest wine estates in Devon, where he added first hand vineyard management and winery knowledge to his background.

 

Andrew also works as a Fine Wine Ambassador / Introducer at Vin-X Fine Wine Investment and he is also the creator and co-host of the sponsored podcasts "The Andy and Olly Show" and "The Northern Wine Guy Podcast Show" which is available on all the usual apps (Amazon, Apple, Spotify) and via this website.

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In 2023, Andrew finally returned home and relocated back to his roots, based in Yorkshire with an expansion plan for the North, yet still focusing on providing services UK wide. Andrew has consulted on a number of projects within Sheffield, as well as working closely with a number of wine brands, most notably: The English Wine Project  and MDCVUK. Andrew has also setup, as part of three local innovative leaders, 'The Sheffield Table' a private dining experience within the latest Leah's Yard development in the Sheffield city centre where diners eat a dedicated 7 course tasting menu within an art gallery and paired by Andrew's UK wine and Sheffield beer pairings.

 

Andrew has also continued his non-for-profit work and in 2024 joined as a Director of Blend Community CIC - with their aim to feed a million homeless people.

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For 2025, Andrew has now been newly elected on to the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce Council and also takes part in the Sheffield City Council's See It Be It Campaign. Alongside that, he has also started 'The Wine and Cheese Network' in Sheffield and also the 'Manchester Wine Club' to add to his ever expanding portfolio.