Joe Wadsack is the UK’s most irreverent and infectiously enthusiastic wine expert. A fixture on television and at live events, Joe is known for his deep knowledge, quick wit, and rare ability to make wine feel fun, friendly, and completely unpretentious. He has entertained and educated millions through his appearances on Saturday Kitchen (BBC One), This Morning (ITV), and as the co-host of Food & Drink on BBC Two alongside Tom Kerridge.
Joe’s journey into wine began with formal training at the prestigious University of Bordeaux, followed by years working hands-on in vineyards and cellars across Europe. He has held senior roles as a wine buyer and consultant for leading retailers including Marks & Spencer, Waitrose, and global drinks brands, earning international respect for his palate and insight.
But it’s Joe’s personality that truly sets him apart. Whether leading a tasting, cracking a joke, or describing a wine as “like licking the inside of a beehive,” he makes every encounter with wine vivid, inclusive, and memorable.
He is passionate about demystifying wine culture, championing sustainability, and helping people find joy in flavour—regardless of price, background, or experience. A natural storyteller, Joe is equally at home in a Michelin-starred restaurant, a supermarket aisle, or a village hall.
Speaker Topics
Wine, Wit & Wisdom: My Life in the Glass
In this hilarious and heartfelt talk, Joe shares the story of how he went from a working-class lad in South London to training in Bordeaux and becoming one of Britain’s most distinctive voices in wine. Expect tales of eccentric vineyard owners, unforgettable blind tastings, and behind-the-scenes moments with celebrity chefs and telly legends. A perfect mix of inspiration and inebriation (in the best way).
Breaking the Rules: How to Really Enjoy Wine
Think you need to know your terroir from your tannins? Think again. Joe invites audiences to tear up the rulebook and rediscover wine as something intuitive, joyful, and personal. Learn how to pick great bottles without snobbery, trust your own taste buds, and finally stop pretending to like overpriced Chablis.
The Future of Wine: Climate, Culture, and Change
What happens when the best Champagne is made in Sussex? Joe explores how climate change, shifting tastes, and new technologies are transforming the world of wine. This thought-provoking and timely talk is ideal for foodies, eco-conscious drinkers, and anyone curious about how wine will evolve in a rapidly changing world.
Wine & Food: The Perfect Pairing (Without the Fuss)
Ever panicked in front of a restaurant wine list? Wondered if it’s really okay to drink red with fish? Joe unpacks the principles of pairing wine with food—without turning it into a chemistry lesson. From supermarket curries to gourmet feasts, he’ll show you how to match drinks with confidence, creativity, and a bit of common sense.
Tales from the Tasting Table
After more than two decades in the drinks industry, Joe has amassed a treasure trove of outrageous, insightful, and downright ridiculous stories. From judging international wine awards to dinners with royalty, this is Joe uncorked—uncensored, unfiltered, and laugh-out-loud funny.
Why Wine is for Everyone (Even If You Think You Hate It)
Joe makes a compelling, cheeky case for why wine isn’t elitist—it’s simply misunderstood. He’ll introduce lesser-known grapes, surprising favourites, and a few unconventional wine hacks that might just change your mind.
What I’ve Learned from a Life in Wine
In this more reflective and moving talk, Joe shares the deeper life lessons he’s picked up through his adventures in the wine world: about risk, resilience, relationships, and flavour as a metaphor for living well.
Claret is a Con! And other wine myths worth debunking
What is a bottle of wine worth?
A funny thing happened on the way back to the hotel..