We asked Aidy Smith what fine wine really means — and his answer cuts through the pretence. Drink what you love, forget the rules.
For this edition of Tiny Tastings, Tiny Wine sat down with Aidy Smith, renowned wineman, award-winning British TV presenter, producer and lifestyle journalist. Aidy is best known as the executive producer and co-presenter of The Three Drinkers, and as a leading voice for accessibility, neurodiversity and LGBTQ+ representation in the drinks industry.
When asked what fine wine really means, Aidy’s answer is refreshingly direct. For him, fine wine isn’t defined by price, prestige or region. “Wine is wine,” he says. “If you enjoy it, it’s good wine.” In a world where fine wine is often wrapped in rules and expectations, Aidy believes enjoyment should always come first. If you like what’s in your glass, then it’s fine wine — no justification required.
That philosophy is reflected in the most meaningful bottle in his cellar. Sitting quietly in his wine fridge is the final vintage of a wine he made himself at just 20 years old. It’s a deeply symbolic bottle, representing his personal journey into wine and the experiences that shaped his career. For Aidy, fine wine is as much about memory and meaning as it is about taste.
One of his most memorable wine experiences came during a visit to a newly opened winery in Sonoma. It was there that he tasted Cristal for the first time. “The moment it touched my tongue, I was like a baby,” he laughs. It was a reminder that even the most famous wines can still spark genuine excitement when experienced without expectation.
When it comes to favourite wine regions, Aidy is quick to highlight Tenerife. The wines, he says, deliver incredible quality at accessible price points, making them ideal for curious drinkers who want to explore something different without spending a fortune. Looking ahead, Patagonia in Argentina stands out as an up-and-coming wine region, producing wines with freshness, character and real sense of place.
So how do we make fine wine more accessible? Aidy’s answer is simple: stop being pretentious. Wine doesn’t need to be intimidating, old-fashioned or judgemental. If someone enjoys a style of wine that isn’t traditionally considered “fine”, that doesn’t make their choice wrong. Wine should be inclusive, welcoming and fun — not something people feel excluded from.
His top tip for drinking better follows the same thinking. Start by understanding what you enjoy, then look for similar styles and keep experimenting. Try something new, then try something new again. Exploration, not expertise, is the key to discovering great wine.
For a bottle recommendation, Aidy gives a shout-out to Champagne Telmont, praising its quality and balance.
Beyond wine, Aidy continues to push for meaningful change in the industry. He has recently launched Drinkslusive, the world’s only mentorship programme designed to support underrepresented communities into careers within the drinks industry.
At Tiny Wine, we believe fine wine should be about discovery, enjoyment and access, not rules or snobbery. Aidy Smith perfectly captures that ethos: drink what you love, stay curious, and remember that fine wine is only fine if you’re actually enjoying it.