Jamie Waugh was born into the wine trade, as his father, Harry Waugh, was a director of Chateau Latour. Sadly, when no immediate position was offered at the property, Jamie started his career (like many a member of his generation), at a local Oddbins, before being taken on by Percy Fox, Corney & Barrow and OW Loeb. At OW Loeb, Jamie sold wine to Fortnum’s, of all businesses. The Fortnum’s buyer at the time suggested that Jamie start selling for Fortnum’s, and he joined the company in 2007. In 2014 he moved to the other side of the table, and he has worked happily as the wine buyer ever since.
Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason was founded in 1707, and our range of wines, spirits and sparkling wines largely reflects our timeline, with nearly 1450 in the cellars, of which 164 wines are bottled under our own label. The Fortnum’s label represents over 60% of our sales, which is a rare thing in retail. It clearly finds favour with our customers, as our wine business has doubled since I joined the company. Producers like to work with us, as we provide a unique shop window at home and abroad. When we take into account that that we have no fewer than seven restaurants, four retail spaces, a successful hamper business, and a very efficient website.