Tom Surgey is an energetic, confident wine expert, presenter and natural communicator, with a sense of humour and an abundance of charisma. His body of work is extensive: He is one of the Three Wine Men, Ridgeview Wine Estate Director, BBC Sussex wine expert and presenter of British Airways’ wine events.
Tom was just 14 when his career in hospitality kicked off, peeling carrots and potatoes in a local Sussex pub, in his free time. Whilst doing bar work he developed a passion for, and strong knowledge of, beers and spirits, becoming fascinated by 'pub culture' and the sociable, supportive community it can build.
After college Tom started working at The Club at The Ivy, where his passion for wine burgeoned. He took his WSET qualifications and now holds their highest-level, the Diploma. In 2014, hooked on wine and with a growing reputation as an expert, Tom left the restaurant side of the industry to follow his passion for wine full-time. He joined Ridgeway renowned pioneers of quality English wine-making, based in Sussex. He is now Ridgeview’s Sales & Business Development Director.
Tom joined the original line-up of Three Wine Men - Oz Clarke, Olly Smith and Tim Atkin - at the UK’s leading wine events. Having hosted masterclasses at the events for a number of years, in 2018, Tom was invited to join the official line-up and is now a well-established, popular and dynamic member.
Tom recently made his TV debut appearing as a wine expert for ITV’s This Morning, and is also a regular wine expert on BBC Sussex & Surrey Radio with a monthly slot. Tom is the lead presenter, alongside Sam Caporn MW, for the brand-new wine app Pingza, which was launched to the public in December 2019. Tom records entertaining and educational film content for the app, giving users unique insight into wine including food and wine pairing, grape varieties, wine regions and entertaining guests at live tastings and events.
With his partner in wine Henry Butler, Tom is one half of the duo producing the anarchic and entertaining live event, Battle Of The Bottles, which has a rapidly growing cult following. Events regularly take place in London and Brighton.
In 2019, British Airways launched their food and drink experience events, with chefs including Tom Kerridge, Ollie Dabbous and José Pizarro. Tom is the expert chosen to lead the wine events, which he hosts at the beautiful Pitzhanger Manor in London.
Tom was shortlisted for the 2019 IWSC Outstanding Achievement In Wine Award and has a string of exciting projects lined-up for 2020.