TWO new wine specialists have joined the team at Derventio wine shop in Malton.

Steve Colling, was the owner and manager of the Milburn Arms, Rosedale, during the 1980s and later The George & Dragon in Kirkbymoorside.

He gained his Wine & Spirit Educational Trust qualifications with Grants of St James before joining Yorkshire Fine Wines for five years, where he became sales director.

Steve has also lived in South-West France for many years, where he organised local wine tours and vineyard visits.

His colleague, Scott Hanby, has been a wine manager in his family business at Boston Spa and Tadcaster. He has already passed his Level Two WSET exam and is now working towards his Diploma. With an extensive wine knowledge, Scott has spent time in the vineyards of Alsace, Burgundy and Spain, where he gained experience with legendary wine-maker Miguel Torres.

Steve said Scott would be spending much of his time on the road promoting the company's extensive range of wines to the licensed trade and working closely with him to develop a new programme of tastings and wine events including wine appreciation courses for beginners.

"These are aimed to de-mystify wine, helping people to approach restaurant wine lists with confidence and providing good basic tasting skills," he added.

"Wine has always been my passion and everybody is welcome at Derventio to discuss and select from a huge range of wines."

Steve said many of the wines at Derventio, based next to Tate-Smiths in Sheepfoot Lane, came from small specialist producers and could not be found in supermarkets.

"Every wine, emphasising quality and value, is personally selected by owner Paul Tate-Smith, and represents an excellent example of its kind," he added.

"Paul, Scott and myself are looking forward to an exciting new chapter in the company's 125 year story."

For more information phone 01653 693193.