David Williams

President

David is in his final year of his PhD within the departments of History and War Studies. His research is broadly on visual culture and discourse analysis, and national identity, nationalism and patriotism. Having grown up in sunny warm and wine growing California, he decided to make his was to the beautiful weather of the UK. David firmly believes that wine should first and foremost be about sharing, conversation, and enjoyment reflected and experiences uniquely by each person. To this end, wine should not be the reserve of stuffiness, but merely another facet in the human delight in flavours, smells and tastes. As such, he wishes to make sure the society is a place for people to come together, talk, learn, share, not just about wine but all interests. David is patrial to Sicilian and Greek reds but is most passionate about trying wines from regions outside of the typical and popular regions.

Advay

VP of Events and Tastings

Advay is a second-year Natural Sciences student with a growing passion for red wine. It all began after attending a wine-tasting event with Humble Grape, where he realised wine was more than just a drink. It was a conversation, a culture, and occasionally, a bit of a science! From bold malbecs to smooth pinots, he's been exploring the world of reds ever nice. He hopes to make wine more approachable,social, and enjoyable for everyone.

David Hagspiel

Treasurer

David is a second-year Economics student from Austria, where his appreciation for wine began with the elegant and expressive whites of regions like the Weinviertel and Burgenland. Since then, his interest has broadened to include not just the well-established classics, but also lesser-known styles and producers that challenge expectations and reward curiosity.

He enjoys wine in many different contexts - whether it’s a light spritz on a hot summer evening, a glass of mulled wine at a Christmas market, or a thoughtfully chosen bottle shared with friends. The photo on the left, taken during a nice afternoon picnic by the Eiffel Tower, captures what he sees as one of wine’s greatest strengths: Its ability to complement moments, whether the most ordinary or already quite special by themselves, and make them memorable.

David sees the Fine Wine Society as a space where students from across the university can come together to learn, explore, and enjoy wine without the need for prior knowledge or formality. For him, wine is not just about expertise but about connection, and he hopes the society continues to offer that experience to all who are curious.

Sophie

VP of Communication and Social Media

Having lived in both sunny Nice and a local to London, Sophie brings a refined palate and a genuine passion for wine to the role of Social Media Officer. With a knack for uncovering hidden gems and a love for East London's vibrant wine bar scene, she is always ready to share the next great bottle or experience with the KCL Fine WIne community, one post at a time.

Favorite wine: Sauvignon Blanc

Georgy Markov

VP of marketing and Relations

Georgy is a second-year in Maths and Management. He has a keen interest in red wine-especially Georgian reds and amber wines-and is looking forward to meeting new people and helping more students discover what the world of wine has to offer.

Favorite wine: Pheasants Tears Rkatsiteli

Matvey Yuryev

VP of Wine Education

Matvey is a Mathmatics student. He has spent much time exploring wines from across France and Italy, and is now diving into English sparkling wines. He is here to help you learn (and love) wine. A big fan of all styles, he is partial to a Pinot Noir and a steak.

Favorite Wine: Pinot Noir

Benjamin Miailhe

VP of External Affairs

Having lived in Bordeaux and grown up in a wine-producing family, he has a strong appreciation for the region's reds and a particular love for dessert wines like Sauternes and Barsac. As Vice President of External Affairs, he is excited to help grow the society's network and to expanding his own tasting skills.

Favorite Wine: Barsac