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The Moodie Report presents the latest edition of My Wine Journey, a regular column in association with Treasury Wine Estates. My Wine Journey features leading buyers and other travel retail executives discussing their love of wine and its presentation and prospects in the channel. This week Liz Woodland, one of the industry’s most experienced and respected retailers – now running her own company Consulting for Retail – shares her journey with us.
How did you first become interested in wine?
When I started socialising in my teens I didn’t like beer or spirits. A glass of wine on a date made me feel grown-up, rather than drinking a soft drink which made me feel like a child. One day I realised I was really looking forward to a glass of wine and then my curiosity about different varietals started to grow.
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Do you remember the first bottle to truly make an impression on you?
Yes – I was in the Hotel du Vin in Winchester and asked for a glass of dry white wine and they gave me a beautifully chilled Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc [from New Zealand -Ed]. It tasted like nectar.
What is your most memorable wine experience?
I was fortunate enough to fly Concorde once, and was offered a Premier Cru Chablis. It was sheer perfection, so when I returned to the office I asked my wine buyer at the time to source a case for me. I still have a bottle as a memento.
If you had the chance to visit a wine-producing country or region, where would it be, and why?
Italy. Beautiful scenery, delicious wines, an abundance of grape varieties. When I go to Varese to visit Enoitalia producers I am in grape heaven.
What is your favourite wine, and why?
Voga sparkling wine [from Italy] – chilled. I love the bottle design and the brand name. The fact that it is an affordable wine makes it a regular treat with friends and family, instead of opening a bottle for an occasional celebration. Their strap-line is Drink IN Style and that is exactly what I feel when I open a bottle.
You fly a lot. Which airline has the best onboard range?
British Airways – in both First Class and Business Class.
Where do you usually buy your wine?
In the French Languedoc, directly from the grower. I am fortunate enough to have a house there, and have discovered a rich variety of wonderful wines that are starting to grow in popularity around the world. My personal favourite is La Maurine Rouge Secrets de Paul. Paul is the great-grandfather of the current owner and grower, and his “˜secret’ is a blend of Syrah and Carignan grapes.
What is your opinion of the wine category in travel retail?
This category is starting to emerge; I have seen space for the category enlarging in recent years. I have found that retailers tend to focus on one part of the market only – budget or luxury – and it would be great to see a broader profile available in more travel retail stores.
I am particularly interested in the budget gifting range currently, as I am working with Voga wines, and have heard from buyers personally the challenge that they face in building the category.
What is your favourite airport for wine retail, and why?
I was very impressed with Vancouver Airport’s wine offer. I thought that the range was individual, specialist, inviting and well presented.
What does the future of wine in travel retail look like?
As airport space increases, passengers need new categories of product to vary the retail offer. We are all aware of the challenge of increasing penetration. I think that wine is one of the categories that can demonstrate capacity for gifting, personal consumption, home delivery and customer satisfaction. I hope more airports offer additional space to this strong margin category in the future.
You have a table for two reserved on the beach at an idyllic desert island resort with your husband John. What wine, what food?
Lobster accompanied by a perfectly chilled Pouilly-Fumé.
Earlier editions of My Wine Journey:
1. LS travel retail Pacific General Manager Duty Free Ivo Favotto
2. Flemingo Main Board Director Paul Topping
4. Emirates Leisure Retail Group and MMI CEO Andrew Day
5. The Nuance Group Global head of Liquor Kevin Baker
6. Director of UK company Inflight Initiatives Rodger Craig
7. Manager Purchasing and Vendor Support of Dubai Duty Free Sharon Beecham
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