Pictured above: Katy Keating, Managing Director of Flint Wines (Photo credits: Juan Trujillo Andrades)

Boasting an MBA from Harvard Business School, an AB from Princeton University, and the WSET Diploma (having taken a short break in between to study cheese in Italy), Flint Wines Managing Director, Katy Keating, is a force to be reckoned with. Before joining Flint at the end of 2023, Katy headed Lay & Wheeler for eight years and worked at digital start-ups in her native US and the UK. Today, Katy's diverse experience and dynamism place her among the UK's leading fine wine industry figures.

Wine Lister: Tell us about your current "house wine".

Katy Keating: There’s always some Nebbiolo around, my first love – G.D. Vajra in particular – from when I lived in Piedmont in 2008. I’m spoilt for choice since joining Flint. Thierry Pillot’s (Domaine Paul Pillot) whites are a revelation. Aubert Wines for California Chardonnay. Hirsch Vineyards Pinot. Domaine Riffault Pinot – red Sancerre, to surprise guests (our team tells me only 5% of Sancerre is rouge!). Domaine de Triennes rosé, in big bottles. Sparkling, always, to start an evening. Terroir-minded champagne. Champagne Paul Bara, Champagne Pierre Gerbais, Champagne Bérèche et Fils. Or the UK’s Hundred Hills. Yum.

WL: What do you drink when you're not drinking wine?

KK: I’m religious about dry Sundays and Mondays. It’s drip coffee (Moccamaster Select), or water. If we’re feeling festive, it’s kombucha – I’m a big fan of L.A. Brewery (B-Corp certified!) in 750mls. Even our daughters will have some. Otherwise, there’s nothing more refreshing than lager. Camden Brewery’s Hells is our local. Or Garage Beer, when I’m back in the States, on the family farm.

WL: What does "fine wine" mean to you?

KK: Doing the most a wine can, given its potential, at the time. It could be Gamay made from a tiny plot of 100+ year old vines, farmed with care, vinified precisely. I’d probably draw a distinction between fine wine and a great fine wine – like ’89 Château Haut-Brion.

WL: The best restaurant wine list in London?

KK: Bar Autentique is my favourite right now - it’s a wine bar in Tufnell Park in North London. Last time I was there, they recommended a super Pinot Noir from Domaine Labet from the Jura. There’s depth and breadth.

WL: What emerging region are you most excited about?

KK: The rebirth of Napa.

WL: What is your standing on natural wine?

KK: Let’s talk about regenerative viticulture as the movement of the moment!

WL: Your go-to wine shop in London?

KK: 482 metres from our front door: Bottle Apostle in Primrose Hill. The manager, J.R. Lalancette, is a local legend.

WL: If you could share a glass of wine with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and what would you drink?

KK: I’m looking forward to sharing wine with our two daughters, Georgina and Frederica. They’re nearly 5 and 3. I’m trying to be patient. They smell everything. Pinot versus Merlot, Chardonnay versus Riesling. And Zaltos versus Sydonios. They tell me they’re ready for Champagne. I’ve made a note.

WL: If you weren't working in wine, what would you be doing?

KK: Farming! Of some sort.

WL: To finish, can you share with our readers one producer to watch?

KK: Aerika Estate – founded by Rob Black and Julia van der Vink on Mount Veeder, in Napa. They’ll have their own estate wine in 2027. All eyes on its release in 2029.