Richard James lives in the south of France and has been slowly exploring the diverse wine regions of Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon. Apart from winewriting.com, an exciting (although so far not very profitable) venture kick-started in 2002, he writes freelance for a variety of publications and media such as: Redhot magazine, Decanter.com, Time Out South of France guide (contributor 2004 edition), OLN (British trade weekly), Harpers magazine, French Property News, City Life, Wine magazine (now renamed Wine International), Refresh magazine, Class magazine, Restaurant magazine and sister website therestaurantgame.com, Virgin.net, everywine.co.uk, ICE magazine, Home magazine, Attitude magazine and Wine & Spirit International.

Richard is also a member of the Circle of Wine Writers and the Society of Authors. He is still waiting for that 'great idea' to occur to him for a truly populist wine best seller! In the meantime, he’s ventured sideways a little into fiction...

Wearing his Wine Education Service hat when he lived in Manchester (England), Richard used to run evening courses, tastings & dinners. Delving further into the past, he worked for a wine importer and producer for nearly ten years latterly as marketing manager.

As regards professional qualifications, Richard has passed the Wine & Spirit Education Trust Higher Certificate back in the mists of time in 1988, and in 1989-90 the Diploma. He sat the Master of Wine exams in 2002-2004 passing the tasting papers first then finally conquering the theory, and he’s currently waiting for the verdict on his dissertation. He spent four eventful years at the University of St. Andrews, escaping with a Master of Arts in French and German in 1987. The rest is, as they say, history and probably a touch dull...

Richard James can also be found on the web at www.winewriting.com.
Richard James can be reached by email at richardjames@wanadoo.fr.