Summary
Adam Brett Smith, managing director of Corny & Barrow, shares insights into his life and the wine industry during a conversation with Tim Atkin. Brett Smith, who has a diverse background that includes living in various countries and attending prestigious schools, reflects on his upbringing and the influence it had on his career. He emphasizes the importance of persistence in the wine trade, recounting how he was turned down multiple times before finally securing a position at Corny & Barrow.
Brett Smith discusses the evolution of Corny & Barrow under his leadership, highlighting a shift from being a general wine merchant to focusing on exclusive relationships with suppliers and customers. He stresses the significance of building long-term partnerships and the necessity of balancing emotional connections with the commercial aspects of the business. He also addresses the challenges of the current wine market and the importance of authenticity, particularly in light of increasing concerns about counterfeit wines.
The conversation touches on the changing landscape of the wine industry, including the growing interest in white wines in Asia and the impact of climate change on wine production. Brett Smith expresses optimism about the future of wine, suggesting that consumers will increasingly seek quality over quantity. He concludes by sharing his passion for history and literature, mentioning his admiration for figures like Nelson and Dickens, and reflecting on how these interests influence his approach to business and leadership.
Show Notes
A lover of Dickens, Nelson and large motorbikes – how’s that for a combination – Adam Brett-Smith runs Corney & Barrow, one of the world’s most profitable wine companies. Amusing, urbane, articulate and appealingly self-deprecating, he’s way less conservative than he seems, a man who enjoys leading teams, discovering new wines, representing world-famous estates and backing his hunches, wherever they may take him. To read more about Adam have a look at the Corney & Barrow website. You can also follow the company on Instagram at @corneyandbarrow. Don’t forget, Cork Talk is now available on Spotify as well as Apple Podcasts, where you can listen to this week’s episode, plus my back catalogue of interviews with some of the world’s most extraordinary wine figures.
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