VDP: Where and how did you get the wine bug?

Cathy Marston: When I started working for Adnams Wine Merchants in the UK in 1995. They put me through all my WSET courses up to Level 4 Diploma and it was a revelation.

VDP:Your first encounter with German wines?

Cathy Marston: I’m from the UK – I cut my teeth on Black Tower and Blue Nun!

VDP: What is your favourite story to tell about German/VDP.wine – did you have highly emotional experience with our wines / producers?

Cathy Marston: Tasting some of the old vintages at the Auction tasting was a very special experience indeed.

VDP: How many bottles of German wine/VDP.wines do you have in your cellar?

Cathy Marston: My teaching stock turns over very quickly so it’s hard to say at any one time.

VDP:What is your favourite vineyard in Germany – and why?

Cathy Marston: For many years, I’ve loved to say ‘Schlossbockelheimer Kupfergrube’ just because it’s long and looks complicated but actually it rolls off the tongue really easily. You can’t imagine how thrilled I was to realise I was standing facing it on the first afternoon of the Ambassador course!!

VDP: If it comes to German grape varieties, what is your favourite? Riesling, Spätburgunder or other?

Cathy Marston: I do love a good Riesling – preferably with a bit of sugar and a bit of age.