Laura Rhys, MS, began her wine career in 2004, and in three short years, she was invited to join Hotel TerraVina as head sommelier by the owner—renowned hotelier and sommelier Gerard Basset, OBE, MS, MW. Under Basset’s tutorage, Laura won the prestigious Taittinger UK Sommelier of the Year title in 2009. And the following year, she was admitted into the exclusive Court of Master Sommeliers, today serving on the board of the European chapter.

After leading the wine team at the Michelin-starred La Trompette restaurant, Laura joined Gusbourne in 2015 as its global ambassador. This role keeps her busy as she champions English sparkling wines throughout the UK and abroad while working closely with master craftsman and CEO Charlie Holland and the wine development team. But she continues to make time to judge sommelier and wine competitions, including the Decanter World Wine Awards and TEXSOM International Wine Awards. She also regularly hosts tastings, wine dinners and seminars.