Transparency data

Terms of reference for the Government Wine Committee

Published 31 October 2024

Name

The Committee shall be known as the Government Wine Committee.

Guiding principles

In line with the wider approach to delivering Government Hospitality, advice will be based on the goals of:

• delivering excellence for ministers, senior officials and their guests
• promoting the best of UK produce, where appropriate
• sustainability
• value for money

Purpose

The Government Wine Committee will provide advice on the management and oversight of the Government Wine Cellar to the Head of Government Hospitality within Protocol Directorate. The Committee will provide advice on:

• purchases of new stock, after blind-tasting
• consumption: which wines it is appropriate to serve, and the grading of those wines after review. This will include advice on wines held in the cellar and those available for purchase
• sales: confirming which wines it may be appropriate to sell, and when
• storage: which wines it is appropriate to retain in the cellar to allow them to mature
• general cellar management, as required

Membership

• government minister: the minister responsible for the wine cellar may attend each meeting in person; this will be at their discretion. The minister may offer advice and guidance, but will not exercise responsibility for commercial decisions, or determine volumes of sales or purchases
• Chair: the Chair of the Committee will be selected on the basis of experience of hosting world class, VVIP hospitality; they will usually be a senior former Diplomat. The Chair will be un-paid
• 4 members: all members will be qualified Masters of Wine (MWs) and have experience of selecting wine for senior functions/use.  The members will be un-paid
• members should generally be active members of the wine trade, with up-to-date knowledge and experience
• secretary: the secretary will be a civil servant selected from Protocol Directorate
• observer: a senior civil servant may observe the Committee meetings, as appropriate

Appointments

• the Chair will be appointed to serve a 5-year term, with the option of an extension if deemed appropriate and on the advice of Director Protocol and the PUS to the Minister responsible
• members of the Committee will be selected on the advice of Director Protocol to the Chair
• the Chair will appoint members to serve a 5-year term, with the opportunity to resign or be replaced with 6 months’ notice, or to extend their term, on the advice of the Chair to Director Protocol
• the minister may agree additional terms of appointment, on an exceptional basis
• appointments will be voluntary

Roles

In line with the terms of reference of the Committee, the Chair will, work with the Secretary to:

• convene the Committee 3 times a year
• agree the agenda ensuring this includes: update on any actions previously recommended, updates on the state of the cellar and specific questions for the Committee relating to purchase/use/sale of wines
• agree the minutes on behalf of the Committee
• chair meetings and tastings, ensuring an inclusive and open discussion, welcoming all impartial advice, noting where they arise, any potential conflicts of interest
• host a working lunch for the members and minister after the meeting and tasting (provided by the FCDO)

In line with the terms of reference of the Committee, members will:

• commit to attending meetings 3 times a year
• sign an annual declaration of members’ interests
• provide impartial expert advice
• declare any conflicts of interest
• offer ad-hoc advice to the Secretary as necessary and assist with vetting of quotes for samples (for purchases)

The secretary

• will ensure that the agenda is provided to the Chair 10 working days in advance of each meeting and circulated to all members at least 5 working days ahead of the meeting
• ensure the agenda sets out clearly any questions before the Committee
• work with the Chair to provide wines for blind tasting to the Committee. The selection of wines to taste and potentially purchase will be based primarily on ensuring excellence across the cellar and chosen based on advice and expertise of the Committee
• in making this selection care will be taken to ensure a broad range of options is presented for blind tasting, and consideration given as relevant to both British produce and value for money
• provide an update on any actions advised by the Committee
• record the minute, ensuring it is agreed by the Chair within 10 working days of each meeting, and circulated to those attending within 15 working days of each meeting. Once agreed and signed by the Chair, the Minute will be a public record of decisions taken

Observers

• may be invited to participate at the discretion of the Chair
• guests may be invited to attend the working lunch at the discretion of the Chair and the Secretary