Janelle Tan-Galvin

I would say that it’s being underestimated, or not being taken seriously, constantly. I’m frequently the only non-white face in the room, and because I am young and East Asian, I can see in others’ faces the assumption that I lack knowledge, high-level skills, or the ability to meaningfully contribute to the conversation.

As an immigrant, I’ve found that so much of the London wine trade is based around connections and a sense of the old boys’ club. Being non-white, female, and an immigrant is a hurdle I must overcome with every conversation. While I wish I could say we’ve moved past this as an industry, I’ve found that the best way for me to work through this is making my own spaces in wine. I often say, if there’s no seat for me at the table, I will make my own table. That approach has best served me.

I’ve benefited so greatly from the generosity of friends and colleagues in this industry. One of the biggest examples so far is Michael Sager, who has had RIM at both Sager + Wilde and Bruno. He’s been so willing to open his space to us and support us in creating our own space. Another example is Shane Jones, my mentor via Women in Wine’s mentorship program, who always advocates for me. Support looks like anyone who has ever connected me with a pop-up venue, or who has believed in the idea and taken on RIM for an evening.

I’ve been really excited by wine on tap and the flexibility offered by the packaging. I’ve been especially interested in the breadth and depth of wine keg offerings – through Uncharted Wines and Les Caves de Pyrene specifically. It’s been a real revelation to be able to step into restaurants and see high-quality wines on tap – such as Domaine Rougeot Meursault “Sous la Velle” (which is on tap at Rogue Sarnies in Bethnal Green), and Orange Pression from Les Vins Pirouettes (which was on tap at Tap & Bottle for a RIM pop-up). The wines are the focus, of course, but it’s heartening to see an option that offers restaurants greater flexibility and works towards making the wine trade more sustainable and accessible.

I would like to nominate Emma Hunt.  When I had just moved to London, the Thorman Hunt spring portfolio tasting was my very first portfolio tasting. Even though she did not know me then, she had so much time and patience for me. I’ve carried that kindness with me since, though we’ve since gotten to know each other over time. She has an incredible career in the wine trade, and yet I’ve found that no matter how busy she is, she always takes the time to chat. Her intellect paired with her grace, and her excellent memory for people and faces in a people-driven industry, make her a quiet powerhouse. I’m always inspired by her, and I hope others are too!