Graham began his career in the wine trade in 1953 bottling Sherry, Vintage Port, Claret and Burgundy at the London Docks. During the harvest of 1954 he worked at Louis Jadot in Beaune and Eschenauer in Bordeaux laying the foundations of a lifelong fascination.
After a period with S.F.& O. Hallgarten, Graham purchased Laytons in 1965 and set about transforming it into one of the great innovators in the wine industry. In 1966 Laytons became only the second merchant offering Bordeaux 'en primeur' and was amongst the first to offer 'domaine' Burgundies direct from the growers. As the agent for Champagne Deutz, Laytons began offering Vintage Champagne for late disgorgement, once again building a new market.
Graham is also the Founder and Chairman of The Bunch, a group of top British wine importers who educate consumers on the benefits of buying from independent merchants. In 1997 Graham sold Laytons and moved to Italy. He now lives near Siena and concentrates on relationships with his preferred growers in Montalcino, Chianti Classico and Piedmont.
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