What’s your name (can include nicknames)
Jake.
What sorts of tours and experiences do you run?
Wine tours, with a twist. Check out Junk Food and Wine matching or iWine (matching music with wine).
What lead you to run these experiences?
I have been to so many boring, earnest wine tastings over the years that take themselves too seriously and in the process exclude everyone from the enjoyment of wine.
I wanted to create wine tastings that were about the enjoyment of wine and make them accessible to all wine drinkers.
What’s your idea of a fun night out?
Braiding my friends hair in my pyjamas, talking about cute boys and watching the notebook…
No wait, having a few beers watching the footy (AFL Dockers & The Giants) then heading out to a great restaurant drinking some great wines.
What’s the coolest travel experience you’ve ever had?
Travelling through Burgundy, The Rhone Valley and Chianti was a great experience.
Why do you want to meet people through experiences and activities?
I love meeting new people and get inspired by other peoples experiences and knowledge. Meeting people through activities and experiences helps break down any hesitancies and get to know people on a different level.
Describe your ideal tour participant
Those that really get into what we are trying to do and embrace the experience whole heartedly. You can make our events as enjoyable as you want them to be.
When someone sings in front of the group in our Music & Wine tasting I know have a group of ideal participants.
What do you love about Sydney?
Its a cliche to say the beaches, but living two minutes from the beach in Tamarama is pretty special.
If you could hang out with 3 people for a day, who would they be and why?
Derren Brown – I want to learn all his tricks and techniques.
Christopher Hitchens – Even though he’s passed away now, I could listen to him talk for hours (when he was alive that is).
Tony Clifton – Although a created character and his creator has also passed away, but he would be excruciating hilariously to hang out with.
What’s currently on your playlist?
Billy Bragg and Wilco Mermaid Avenue III
If you could go anywhere in the world and do anything, what would it be and why?
Travel to all the wine regions of the world I am yet to visit: Agrentina, Germany and any others I can fit in.
Why? ‘Cos I love wine!!
Anything else we should know about you?
I have spent the last 15 years as a professional actor alongside my wine career. Most notably probably playing Matt Jennings in Packed to the Rafters.
You can find out more about Jake and join his wine tours on his eXpertLocal profile.