Pouring passion

Elly Owen is an award-winning sommelier and educator based in Cornwall. She's previously worked with renowned chefs Jamie Oliver and Paul Ainsworth and now dedicates her time to teaching and developing wine courses across the South West, while passionately sharing her knowledge with wine enthusiasts far and wide.

Elly, tell us about your background, and how you became a sommelier.

I worked in hospitality for a long time before I developed a real interest in wine. But all of those experiences led me to a place where, once I did discover wine, I was able to use everything I’d learned to provide the best possible service to our customers. I thrive on making connections with people, and wine is a great way to do that.

What can guests expect from one of your wine tasting sessions?

My tastings are (hopefully!) fun. It’s all about bringing people together and getting the conversation flowing over a few bottles. I like to explore wine by encouraging people to use their senses - especially smell and taste. I also try to give guests a chance to see through the liquid into the stories behind each wine, whether it’s a Pinot Grigio from Italy or an amphora-aged wine from Georgia.

What is the most underrated wine, in your opinion?

Oh, good question! I have a particular penchant for modern Australian wines - especially at the more premium end, they can be a real treat. I love unusual grape varieties or winemakers that are doing creative and unexpected things with their wines.

How do wines get their colour?

Wines typically get their colour from the grape skins. The colour is influenced by how long the juice is in contact with the skins during fermentation. For example, rosé is technically a red wine but only has brief skin contact, which results in its lighter pink hue.

Which winery would you most like to visit, in the UK or abroad?

This might sound a bit obvious, but one of my favourite places is Camel Valley (based right here in Cornwall, just outside Bodmin). Wine is all about the people, and Sam is a great friend and supporter. Their tasting room overlooks the vines, which Annie Lindo tends herself - I love that tangible, hands-on connection.

If you could only drink one wine for the rest of your life, what would it be?

It would definitely be red - I think a brilliant Chianti. Something vibrant, racy, and full of life.

What’s the most exquisite pairing of food and wine?

Champagne - preferably a Blanc de Blancs – with oysters, if you’re paying! But honestly, I love sharing wine and food, so a good red with some picky bits is just as perfect.

What are your sparkling wine recommendations?

That depends on a few factors, but if you're looking for a bargain - and let’s be honest, I love a bargain - look for bottles that say “traditional method.” Wines from the New World can be fantastic. I’m especially fond of Graham Beck’s sparkling wines. A good Crémant can also be brilliant.

Do you have any favourite English wines? Do you think they’re gaining popularity?

English wines have definitely seen a boom – not just in popularity but in the area under vine. That kind of growth drives competition, which helps with pricing and availability. I love Camel Valley sparkling - always so dependable – but honestly, there are so many fabulous English wines now.

Visit ellyowenwine.com for more information.

Keep an eye out for wine tasting events with Elly, here at Budock Vean Hotel & Spa