Clem Yates, MW
Sourcing and Supply Director, Off-Piste Wines
My career in the wine industry really began when I used my chemistry degree to study Oenology as a post graduate at Roseworthy University in Australia. It was here that I developed a real passion for the process of creating and developing wines. I am currently the Sourcing and Supply Director at Off-Piste Wines who are a small, innovate company supplying the UK 0ff trade as well as export markets. As well as winemaking and buying I am responsible for the quality, safety and legality of all our wines. I try to use my knowledge and experience to protect quality from the process of picking the grapes right through to when a customer opens a bottle.
During my time at Off-Piste we have grown our bulk shipping to over 10 million litres a year and have won several Gold medals for UK bottled products. Prior to joining Off-Piste I was responsible for all the own label Beers, Wines and Spirits at Sainsbury’s. During my time there I developed the “House” range of wines and re-established the Taste the difference level from around the world. I have also worked for Tesco in-house. I started winemaking as a flying winemaker covering vintages in both the North and Southern hemispheres including Australia, California, Chile, France and Italy.