Master sommelier Gearoid Devaney is to join independent merchant Flint Wines.
Devaney, who has had stints at the Capital Hotel, with Pierre Gagnaire in Paris and at Tom Aikens in London, will lead the restaurant division at Flint, which has a strong emphasis on sourcing wines from small growers in Burgundy and the Rhône.
‘I’ve been approached by various merchants over the past couple of years, but never been tempted,’ Devaney said.
‘However, the opportunity to join Flint was too good to miss and came at a time when I was looking for a new challenge.’
Devaney, who has known Flint Wines owners Jason Haynes and Sam Clarke for years, described the Flint list as one of the most exciting in the business, with no weak links.
‘The list we have is an exciting one (and it will continue to evolve), and I can’t wait to get back to dealing with fellow sommeliers and great restaurants on a daily basis,’ Devaney said.
‘Despite the recession, London is full of thriving eateries including many high-profile new openings.’
Founded in 2006, Flint Wines has previously concentrated on serving private customers, but Haynes and Clarke now want to further develop their existing restaurant business.
Clarke said the business had prospered despite the recession and unfavourable exchange rates. ‘We are in a strong position to really kick on and grow the business significantly,’ he added.
Both Haynes and Clarke are Burgundy specialists, with Haynes previously working as a buyer at O W Loeb.
The Flint list includes stellar names from Burgundy such as Cathiard and Dujac, as well as emerging domaines including Clos des Rocs and Duroché.
The company is also expanding its US range, which now includes producers including Snowden, Gramercy, Cristom and Rochioli.
Written by Richard Woodard
