Oz Clarke OBE

Oz Clarke OBE is a one of the world’s most renowned wine experts, award-winning author and broadcaster. He is known for his exceptional palate, accurate predictions and his unique irreverent style.

His impeccable wine tasting ability goes back to his days at Oxford University where he regularly won wine tasting competitions. Today he is regarded as having one of the finest palates of anyone writing about wine and has been awarded all the major wine writing awards in the UK and the USA.

Known for his unorthodox wit and directness that he brings to the subject of wine tasting, Oz established himself as a familiar face on TV. He has presented or featured in many programmes, including 19 years presenting the iconic BBC Food & Drink programme and more recently as the wine presenter on James Martin’s Saturday Morning.

In addition to his prominence on television, Oz has published over 30 books about wine including Oz Clarke’s Wine Guide, which won the Wine Magazine Book of the Year Award, The History of Wine in 100 Bottles and 250 Best Wines Wine Buying Guide.

With his reputation as one of the world’s best wine tasters and experts, Oz is a popular keynote speaker at large events and Expos and was voted best keynote speaker at California Wine Experience in San Francisco.

Global recognition has made Oz a popular choice for the likes of Singapore Airlines to whom he is wine consultant, and Laithwaite’s Wine who retail a selection of wines chosen by Oz. He regularly hosts wine tastings, tours, and awards for the cruise and travel industry, and for international corporate clients.

Contact Great British Speakers today to book the wine tasting expert, broadcaster and bestselling author Oz Clarke for your next event.

Type Of Speaker

After Dinner Entertainment Event Hosts Hospitality, Food & Drink Keynote Speaker Virtual Speakers

More About Oz Clarke OBE

Oz Clarke Awards and Accolades

Oz Clarke has is world-renowned for his faultless wine tasting, which has resulted in him receiving many awards and accolades for both his wine tasting and his journalism, including:

OBE for services to broadcasting and journalism in 2023.
Lifetime Achievement Award at the Drinks Retailing Awards in 2015
Officier de l’Ordre du Mérite Agricole from the French government for services to French agriculture in 2010.
Louis Roederer International Wine Writers’ Award for International Wine Book of the Year in 2009.
International Wine & Spirit Competition International Drinks Communicator of the Year Award in 2006
Lanson Special Millennium Award for outstanding contribution to wine, communication and education in 1999.

Oz Clarke – TV and Theatre

Before his passion for wine became his work, Oz worked as a full-time actor and singer, touring with the Royal Shakespeare Company and appearing in West End theatre productions such as Sweeney Todd, The Mitford Girls and Evita.

It was while appearing in Sheila Hancock’s Dandy Dick, that he began writing about wine for the Daily Express, before then joining The Telegraph. These positions were the stepping stones to what was to become an illustrious career as a wine tasting expert and journalist.

In 1984 he got a big break on the BBC’s Food & Drink programme, which he presented for nearly 20 years. He then joined forces with James May, making two series of ‘Oz and James’ Big Wine Adventure’, the follow up ‘Oz and James Drink to Britain.

Oz and James were awarded International Wine Challenge Personality of the Year Award, the TRIC TV Arts/Documentary Programme of the Year Award, and Gourmand World Cookbook Award for Best Wine Literature for the book a series of programmes.

Oz Clarke Wine expert tasting somellier TV presenter speaker host at booking agent Great British Speakers

Oz Clarke Books

Oz has published over 30 titles on wine, with many topping bestselling lists. His most recent book is Oz Clarke’s Story of Wine, published in 2023. Among his other books are:

Pocket Wine Book
Oz Clarke on Wine: Your Global Wine Companion (2021)
Wine by the Glass (2018)
Oz Clarke’s World of Wine (2017)
Grapes & Wines (2015) won Gourmand Drink Awards.
The History of Wine in 100 Bottles (2015) which won Gourmand Drink Awards.
Let Me Tell You About Wine (2014)
Bordeaux which won the Louis Roederer International Wine Writers’ Award 2009
50 Best Wines (2008)
Wine Atlas (2007)