“Their mission is ‘to promote, educate and explain the complexity and joys of great wine as it matures. All great wines need time”
Jancis Robinson MW OBE
Source: Château Grillet – the Artémis effect | Jancis Robinson
Libération Tardive Foundation core team
(left to right: Dominic Buckwell, Megan Schellinger, Claire Scott-Gall, James Belton, Fran Bridgewater FCIM,
Helga Schroeder MS, David Pinchard and Christopher Burr MW)
Dominic Buckwell
DipWSET
Director
Dominic Buckwell is a Barrister with a rich background in Shipping and International Trade, currently serving as General Counsel for www.seacoglobal.com. Since 2014, he has immersed himself in the world of wine law, tastings, and promotional organisations. A holder of the prestigious WSET Diploma in Wine, Dominic is also a co-founder and Board Director of Libération Tardive.
Born and raised in Sussex, Dominic was captivated by the dynamic rise of English wine and quickly became a key figure in the industry. He took on a leading role as legal expert and Board Director for www.WineGB.co.uk, further expanding his influence. In 2016, he qualified as a Certified Sommelier with the www.courtofmastersommeliers.org, and by 2017, he was already judging wines for the esteemed www.internationalwinechallenge.com. A founding member of www.Areni.Global, Dominic also became involved with the International Wine Law Association (www.aidv.org) and the www.circleofwinewriters.org in 2019.
Dominic is a wine correspondent for www.rosamagazine.co.uk, Sussex’s leading arts publication, and he regularly presents wine tastings under the brand www.sommdom.com. He is an active member of the wine committee for www.skinnersorg.uk and serves as a Legal Expert for the UK government (www.defra.gov.uk) to the OIV (www.oiv.int).
At his country home in Sussex, Dominic tends to the world’s smallest registered vineyard, located on the grounds of www.upperlodgesussex.co.uk, where his passion for wine continues to flourish.
James Belton
ACMA CGMA DipWSET
Director
James Belton is a seasoned commercial accountant with a dynamic career that spans across the FMCG and wine industries. He earned his ACGA CGMA in 2010 as Unilever transitioned its FMCG assets to private equity. In 2011, he joined Constellation Brands, where he played a key role in the transformation of their European and Australian wine assets into Accolade Wines, the UK’s largest wine company at the time. James progressed through several senior strategy and finance leadership positions, ultimately becoming Finance Director for Accolade’s UK&I, EMEA and North American operations.
Alongside his corporate journey, James has pursued his passion for wine, earning his WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wine & Spirits in 2016, followed by Certified Wine Educator status in 2017.
Subsequent to Accolade’s ownership transition in 2019, James held FD and CFO roles at startup brand owners and fine wine importers, before founding www.wineance.co.uk — his own consultancy that specialises in commercial finance, strategy and advisory services for the global drinks trade.
A passionate enotourist in his personal life, James lives near London with his family and travels extensively for both work and pleasure, offering support to clients across four continents while staying connected with major international trade fairs. In 2022, he was approached by key figures in the UK wine industry to help shape and establish the Libération Tardive structure and concept, solidifying his position as an influential force in the sector.
Claire Scott-Gall
CMktr DipWSET
Director
A highly respected Chartered Marketer with 20 years in the UK wine trade, Claire Scott-Gall joins the board as Non-Executive Director to guide Libération Tardive’s strategy and develop relationships with key partners that share a common passion for extended ageing of fine wines. As Director of European Wines at Mentzendorff, Claire leads strategic sales, marketing and PR initiatives in the UK for 13 wineries from France, Portugal, Spain and Italy. Her deep commercial knowledge, extensive industry network and innovative approach to brand partnerships will be instrumental in furthering the Foundation’s outreach across the trade.
A keen collector of Burgundy, Bordeaux and Italian wines, Claire has built a career on promoting wines of exceptional quality and longevity. “I’m thrilled to be joining the team as Non-Executive Director and championing the benefits of extended fine wine ageing — a cause that has inspired me throughout my career — and one that has the potential to make a significant commercial impact across all sectors of the wine trade” she affirms. In her spare time, Claire practices yoga, bakes and loves to travel.
Christopher Burr
MW
A Master of Wine with over 45 years of pioneering leadership in the global wine industry, Christopher is a recognised authority in fine wine investment, retail, distribution, production, auctioneering, cellar valuation and public speaking. Having held pivotal roles at prestigious firms including Mentzendorff, Christie’s, Domaines Drouhin & Associates, Bass Brewers and Hedges and Butler, Christopher has advised collectors, businesses and financial institutions, positioning wine as a valuable asset class.
Christopher’s journey began in the 1970s and in 1995 he became a Master of Wine on his first attempt, winning the Villa Maria Scholarship to study viticulture in New Zealand. His expertise was instrumental in the growth of the fine wine trading market, particularly through his leadership of Christie’s wine auctions and managing some of the world’s most significant wine collections.
A hands-on expert in vineyard management, Christopher has recently planted two vineyards in the UK and continues to bring invaluable knowledge to winemaking and brand development. His work on sustainability initiatives has further established him as a thought leader, advising producers on how to adapt to evolving market demands. As a passionate mentor to both MW and Diploma students, he is a driving force in wine education and frequently contributes to industry publications and global events.
Today, Christopher remains at the forefront of the wine industry, providing expert valuation and advisory services on fine wine collections, trade portfolio management and sustainability strategies. With a vast network and deep industry insight, he is a trusted advisor to collectors, businesses and wine professionals around the globe.
David Pinchard
David Pinchard is the Founder and Managing Director of Transformation Leaders, a pioneering platform dedicated to senior interim leadership and strategic change management. Since becoming an independent board-level leader in 1994, David has redefined the interim sector by enabling direct engagement between businesses and seasoned, high-impact advisors — eliminating the inefficiencies of traditional, high-fee agencies. His approach ensures that organisations facing pivotal transitions can access hands-on expertise tailored to their unique challenges.
Under David’s leadership, transformation-leaders.com has become a trusted resource for companies navigating complex organisational shifts. His tenure as Director of Averys Wine Merchants in Bristol reinforced his belief in proactive, inside-the-business leadership that drives meaningful, long-term change. This philosophy underpins his work in transformation, where he connects companies with senior executives who actively implement impactful solutions and strategic innovations.
Fran Bridgewater
FCIM
A dynamic brand strategist, wine writer and industry advocate with over 20 years of experience shaping global perceptions of wine. A passionate storyteller and meticulous researcher, she has worked with some of the world’s most iconic wineries, elevating their narratives through compelling editorial, trade engagement and strategic branding. Fluent in French and Spanish, Fran’s expertise in viticulture and wine tourism has made her a sought-after voice in the industry, from moderating international conferences to featuring on TV, radio, and podcasts.
She founded Wine Jobs Global, supporting over 2,000 professionals post-pandemic and has continued to do so ever since garnering a finalist position in the IWSC Awards 2021. As European Editor for Andes Wines, the world’s seventh-largest wine news channel, she brings a global perspective to industry developments. Her work includes transcribing tasting notes for the IWSC, judging renowned competitions such as the IWC, Great Taste, Glass of Bubbly and the People’s Choice Drinks Awards and uncovering the untold stories behind legendary bottles. She also contributes editorial content to The Buyer, Fine Wine & Champagne India, Eat North Media and The West Dorset Magazine as Vittles Correspondent.
Fran has played a pivotal role in shaping Libération Tardive’s ethos, advocating for provenance-driven wines and cultivating a deeper appreciation for fine wine culture. As the leader of the World Chardonnay Day Global Ambassador team, she furthers the conversation on varietal diversity and significance with a core focus also on ancestral vine Cabernet Sauvignon. Passionate about both viticulture and motorsport, she apprentices at English vineyards, honing her craft with the long-term ambition of owning a boutique vineyard in southwest France.
Helga Schroeder
MS
Helga Louise Schroeder brings unparalleled expertise in fine wine curation, purchasing and education, with a career spanning prestigious roles across the wine and hospitality sectors. As the first female Master Sommelier in German-speaking countries (at the Court of Master Sommeliers in London), she has cultivated a global perspective and a deep understanding of both the B2B and B2C markets for fine wines.
Currently Head of Purchasing at Alpina Wein GmbH + Co KG, Helga curates product ranges, expands portfolios and maintains strong relationships with producers and partners. Her background includes high-profile consultancy work, sommelier leadership at Michelin-starred restaurants and fine wine management at Hedonism Wines in London. A passionate educator and mentor, she continues to shape the next generation of wine professionals through judging, training and hosting industry-wide seminars including volunteer teaching and examining at the Court of Master Sommeliers.
Megan Schellinger
DipWSET
Megan Schellinger is a finance lawyer and partner at Baker McKenzie, one of the world’s leading international law firms. Her expertise in navigating complex financial transactions is matched by her deep passion for wine. In 2022, Megan earned her WSET Diploma with merit, reinforcing the depth of her industry knowledge.
For eight years, Megan has been a proactive member of the Solicitors Wine Society, where she has played a pivotal role in curating exceptional tastings for legal professionals. As the Society’s Secretary for the past two years, she has demonstrated her leadership in fostering fine wine appreciation within the legal community.
Her wine interests are diverse, spanning Piemonte greats, Barolo, Barbaresco and Timorasso as well as celebrating the rise of English sparkling wine and the complexity of New World Pinot Noir. Beyond wine, Megan is an avid runner, passionate skier and devoted operagoer, frequently attending performances in London and beyond. Her broad cultural and professional interests bring a refined palate, intellectual curiosity and multidisciplinary insight to her role at the Foundation.