Jo Ahearne is a distinguished wine professional with extensive experience in making, buying, blending, and evaluating wines from around the world. With a proven track record of creating award-winning wines and holding both a Master of Wine and a BSc in Wine Science from Charles Sturt University in Australia, Jo has amassed a wealth of knowledge and expertise that spans continents and decades.
Her career began with winemaking roles at renowned establishments such as Jacobs Creek and Charles Melton. Jo also embarked on numerous flying winemaking and consultancy positions, gaining invaluable experience in diverse wine regions. Lending her expertise to esteemed brands such as I Heart and Mirabeau en Provence in the process.
Jo's expertise extends beyond winemaking; she has also played a pivotal role in new product development and blending for Marks and Spencer, ensuring that their wines consistently meet the highest standards of quality and innovation. In addition, she served as the Head of Wine Buyer for Harrods and is a proud member of the Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino.
Currently, Jo works as a wine consultant, where she continues to provide invaluable expertise and insights to the wine industry.
1. What inspired you to pursue the Master of Wine title?
Two reasons really. I was making 20 million litres of Jacobs Creek a year and was really proud of what my team had achieved in what had historically been a bulk wine winery but wanted to stay connected to a more varied world of wine. That and it’s super hard so I wanted to pass it! 
2. What excites you most about the current wine world?
The fact that it is really diverse. Interesting wine form all over not just fine wine from the more traditional area.
3. Is there a region or grape variety you’re especially passionate about?
It’s a bit like music. It all depends what mood I am in. I’ve recently re-engaged with Muscadet (maybe it’s the fact that the sun is shining…), I always love Sherry whatever the weather. I had a great Vin de Soif from a stunning Barolo producer in a 1L bottle. Light and zappy – Pinot Nero, Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto – fabulous in the fridge for half an hour!
4. Any tips for choosing wines for cellaring vs. drinking now?
The first tip is not to wait forever to drink that ‘special bottle’. So often people wait too long and it’s all a bit shot. Also be honest how you like your wines. Do you still want some primary fruit or are you looking for some leather and prune in there? If you can buy at least 3 bottles of something you want to cellar so you can dip in to see how it’s going. Use some of the wine websites that taste those wines regularly so you can use others experience to see where your wine is rather than open it too early. Remember that you can get some interesting development and different flavour profiles from quite modest wines quite quickly. But lastly just enjoy the ride.
5. What’s a wine myth you'd love to debunk?
Red wine can go with fish! But it does need to be lighter, possibly crunchier, definitely silkier and less tannic. A lighter Etna Rosso with charred tuna is a delight! And then there’s the fact that Lambrusco is gorgeous…
6. What’s your go-to food and wine pairing?
Duck and Australian Shiraz. Fish and chips and vintage Champagne. Oh so many!
7. Favourite indulgent meal or snack?
I am currently quite obsessed with San Nicasio extra virgin olive oil crisps. The only Spanish crisps I’ve ever found in the UK. Expensive but worth it!
8. What’s one wine in your cellar you’re saving for a special occasion?
I’ve been moving around so much I don’t have a cellar sadly. But I’m eying up the outside loo to build one!
9. Favourite film or TV series to relax with a glass of wine?
I do love watching Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy while sipping on a glass of wine. I feel like I’m on holiday!
10. What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a rabid West Ham United fan.