OM Focus: Tim Triptree (TU 1989-94)
Tim Triptree (TU 1989-94), international wine director at Christie’s, recently hosted a wine tasting lunch event – exclusively for OMs – at Bar Boulud at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park.
After what was an insightful occasion for those OMs in attendance, Tim discussed his career to date, his role, liaison with The Marlburian Club and a stunning surprise at the OM wine lunch…
How long have you been working with Christie’s and what was your path to achieving that position?
I have been working at Christie’s since 2005 always as a wine specialist focused on the fine wine auction business. Prior to that I graduated with an MBA Distinction in Wine Business Management. I completed the Wine & Spirit Education Trust Diploma, gaining a Distinction in 2008, being awarded the Sherry Institute Scholarship and Constellation Scholarship, which involved wine visits to Jerez and New Zealand respectively. I was awarded the Trinity Champagne Scholarship in 2009 from the Institute of Masters of Wine and became a Master of Wine in September 2018, and received the prestigious Noval Award for the best MW Research Paper which examined trends in the use of reserve wines in Brut NV Champagne. In 2013, I went to Christie’s Hong Kong for four years focusing efforts on raising the department’s profile in the region and became Head of Sale, Hong Kong before returning to London in January 2017. I was promoted to International Director in June 2018.
What does the role entail?
My main role as International Director, Wine is curating, sale planning and execution of Christie’s wine auctions in London, New York, Geneva and Hong Kong. I am based at Christie’s in London, and my role includes sourcing wine consignments, inspection and authentication, developing client relations and hosting wine events and master-classes worldwide.
You recently hosted the first-ever OM wine-tasting event, which was a sell-out. How did the event come about?
The Marlburian Club got in contact with me to see if I’d be willing to arrange a wine lunch and I said yes of course! It was fantastic to host the lunch and it proved to be a great success. The food at Bar Boulud was superb and paired perfectly with fine French wines. I also gave attendees a blind tasting test, and the guests were delighted when I revealed it was a Boal Madeira from the 1900 vintage. An extremely rare and stunning wine!
Can OMs get in touch with you directly?
Absolutely. Christie’s are one of the leading wine auctioneers, so if any OMs have wine collections they would like to sell then I would be very interested in hearing from them. Or if building up a wine collection then Christie’s sells incredible wines, and a great breadth and range of price levels. I would be delighted to advise OMs and to send details of upcoming Christie’s wine auctions.
