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{{Short description|Wine expert, TV presenter and author}}
{{Short description|Wine expert, TV presenter and author}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Multiple issues|
{{COI|date=September 2016}}
{{COI|date=September 2016}}
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| name = Olly Smith
| name = Olly Smith
| image = File:Michel Roux Jr at MasterChef Live 2009 (4108240803) (cropped).jpg
| image = File:Michel Roux Jr at MasterChef Live 2009 (4108240803) (cropped).jpg
| caption = Olly Smith at [[MasterChef]] Live 2009
| caption = Smith in 2009
| birth_name =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1974|9|18|df=y}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1974|9|18|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Darlington]], County Durham, England, UK
| birth_place = [[Darlington]], County Durham, England, UK
| nationality = British
| nationality =
| occupation = British TV presenter, wine expert, columnist and author.
| occupation = TV presenter, wine expert and author.
| years_active =
| years_active =
| notable_works =
| notable_works =
| spouse = Sophie Smith
| spouse = Sophie<ref name="WW">{{cite web |title=Smith, Olly, (born 18 Sept. 1974), wine columnist and TV presenter; wine expert, Saturday Kitchen, since 2007 {{!}} WHO'S WHO & WHO WAS WHO |url=https://www.ukwhoswho.com/view/10.1093/ww/9780199540884.001.0001/ww-9780199540884-e-292889 |website=www.ukwhoswho.com |language=en |doi=10.1093/ww/9780199540884.013.U292889|isbn=978-0-19-954088-4 }}</ref>
| children = 2<ref name="WW" />
| children = 2
| relatives = [[Will Smith (comedian)|Will Smith]] (brother)
}}
}}


'''Olly Smith''' (born 18 September 1974) is a British TV presenter, wine expert, columnist and author.
'''Olly Smith''' (born 18 September 1974) is a British TV presenter, wine expert, columnist and author.


==Education==
==Education and career==
Having discovered a love for singing, at eight years of age,<ref>{{Citation |title=Series 4 Ep6 - Richard Bainbridge and Olly Smith 'The Wine Guy' |url=https://soundcloud.com/grilledbythestaffcanteen/series-4-ep5-richard-bainbridge-and-olly-smith-the-wine-guy |language=en |access-date=2022-05-15}}</ref> he became a [[chorister]] at [[King's College, Cambridge]], which saw him travel far and wide to sing, including in Japan, East Berlin and Finland,<ref>{{Citation |title=Series 4 Ep6 - Richard Bainbridge and Olly Smith 'The Wine Guy' |url=https://soundcloud.com/grilledbythestaffcanteen/series-4-ep5-richard-bainbridge-and-olly-smith-the-wine-guy |language=en |access-date=2022-05-15}}</ref> and earned him a music scholarship at [[Charterhouse School]],<ref>{{Citation |title=Series 4 Ep7 - Richard Bainbridge and Jeremy Lee |url=https://soundcloud.com/grilledbythestaffcanteen/series-4-ep7-richard-bainbridge-and-jeremy-lee/s-1ijXCAVZjZX |language=en |access-date=2022-05-15}}</ref> where he met his future wife and chief of staff Sophie Smith.<ref>{{Citation |title=Series 4 Ep7 - Richard Bainbridge and Jeremy Lee |url=https://soundcloud.com/grilledbythestaffcanteen/series-4-ep7-richard-bainbridge-and-jeremy-lee/s-1ijXCAVZjZX |language=en |access-date=2022-05-15}}</ref> He gained a master's degree in English Literature at the [[University of Edinburgh]].<ref name="WW">{{cite web |title=Smith, Olly, (born 18 Sept. 1974), wine columnist and TV presenter; wine expert, Saturday Kitchen, since 2007 {{!}} WHO'S WHO & WHO WAS WHO |url=https://www.ukwhoswho.com/view/10.1093/ww/9780199540884.001.0001/ww-9780199540884-e-292889 |website=www.ukwhoswho.com |language=en |doi=10.1093/ww/9780199540884.013.U292889|isbn=978-0-19-954088-4 }}</ref>
Smith attended [[Charterhouse School]] on a music scholarship.<ref name="WW" /> He was a [[chorister]] at [[King's College, Cambridge]], and gained a [[Master's degree]] in English Literature at [[Edinburgh University]].<ref name="WW" />

Growing up, Smith worked in a wine shop as a cellar boy. He worked as a film and TV writer until he took part in Hardys-backed TV competition ''Wine Idol'' in 2005, and won.<ref>{{Citation |title=Series 4 Ep6 - Richard Bainbridge and Olly Smith 'The Wine Guy' |url=https://soundcloud.com/grilledbythestaffcanteen/series-4-ep5-richard-bainbridge-and-olly-smith-the-wine-guy |language=en |access-date=2022-05-15}}</ref> Part of his prize was an audition to appear on [[Great Food Live]]. <ref>{{Citation |title=Series 4 Ep6 - Richard Bainbridge and Olly Smith 'The Wine Guy' |url=https://soundcloud.com/grilledbythestaffcanteen/series-4-ep5-richard-bainbridge-and-olly-smith-the-wine-guy |language=en |access-date=2022-05-15}}</ref> Realising that there were opportunities for him to make a career in wine on television, Smith made his segue from screenwriting, studying wine in his spare time.<ref>{{Citation |title=Series 4 Ep6 - Richard Bainbridge and Olly Smith 'The Wine Guy' |url=https://soundcloud.com/grilledbythestaffcanteen/series-4-ep5-richard-bainbridge-and-olly-smith-the-wine-guy |language=en |access-date=2022-05-15}}</ref> He eventually made it onto a Sky One series, ''[[Taste (TV series)|Taste]]'', which opened up the many TV opportunities, including the ''[[Richard & Judy|Richard and Judy Wine Club]]'', ''[[Saturday Kitchen]]'', ''[[The Wheel (game show)|The Wheel]]'', ''[[Mastermind (British game show)|Mastermind]]'', ''[[Tipping Point (game show)|Tipping Point]]'' and more.<ref>{{Citation |title=Series 4 Ep6 - Richard Bainbridge and Olly Smith 'The Wine Guy' |url=https://soundcloud.com/grilledbythestaffcanteen/series-4-ep5-richard-bainbridge-and-olly-smith-the-wine-guy |language=en |access-date=2022-05-15}}</ref>


==Family background==
==Family background==
His brother is the comedian and writer [[Will Smith (comedian)|Will Smith]].<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=https://twitter.com/jollyolly/status/63616733273014272 |title=Olly Smith on Twitter: "@tvpeanuts Yes I am related to Will Smith! I'm delighted to reveal that he is my brother, do follow him @willsmithuk" |publisher=Twitter.com |date=2011-04-28 |access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref> Smith was born in [[Darlington]], County Durham and grew up in [[Jersey]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sundaypost.com/news/world-news/my-favourite-holiday-olly-smith/|title=My favourite holiday Olly Smith|last=Reporter|date=7 September 2014|website=sundaypost.com|access-date=5 April 2019}}</ref> As a child he was a chorister in the [[Choir of King's College, Cambridge]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/news/cambridge-corn-exchange-to-host-the-three-wine-men-9052546/ |title=Cambridge Corn Exchange to host The Three Wine Men |date=2017-11-17|website=Cambridge Independent |language=en |access-date=2019-06-11}}</ref> He lives in [[Sussex]] with his family.<ref name="ollysmith1">{{cite web|url=http://www.ollysmith.com/about/ |title=About |publisher=Olly Smith |date=2014-11-11 |access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref>
The son of a nurse and a music teacher,<ref>{{Citation |title=Series 4 Ep6 - Richard Bainbridge and Olly Smith 'The Wine Guy' |url=https://soundcloud.com/grilledbythestaffcanteen/series-4-ep5-richard-bainbridge-and-olly-smith-the-wine-guy |language=en |access-date=2022-05-15}}</ref> Smith's older brother is the comedian and writer [[Will Smith (comedian)|Will Smith]].<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=https://twitter.com/jollyolly/status/63616733273014272 |title=Olly Smith on Twitter: "@tvpeanuts Yes I am related to Will Smith! I'm delighted to reveal that he is my brother, do follow him @willsmithuk" |publisher=Twitter.com |date=2011-04-28 |access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref> Smith was born in [[Darlington]], County Durham, and grew up in [[Jersey]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sundaypost.com/news/world-news/my-favourite-holiday-olly-smith/|title=My favourite holiday Olly Smith|last=Reporter|date=7 September 2014|website=sundaypost.com|access-date=5 April 2019}}</ref> As a child he was a chorister in the [[Choir of King's College, Cambridge]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/news/cambridge-corn-exchange-to-host-the-three-wine-men-9052546/ |title=Cambridge Corn Exchange to host The Three Wine Men |date=2017-11-17|website=Cambridge Independent |language=en |access-date=2019-06-11}}</ref> He lives in [[Sussex]] with his family.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://absolutelymagazines.com/tv-wine-expert-olly-smith-raises-a-glass-to-sussex/|title=TV Wine Expert Olly Smith Raises A Glass To Sussex|website=absolutelymagazines.com|date=1 February 2023|access-date=9 June 2024}}</ref>


==Writing==
==Writing==
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He has written five books, ''Eat & Drink: Good Food That’s Great to Drink With''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ollysmith.com/shop/books/eat-drink-signed-copy/ |title=Eat & Drink, signed copy |publisher=Olly Smith |date=2014-11-11 |access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref> in 2010, ''Wine: Both Barrels''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ollysmith.com/shop/categories/wine-both-barrels-signed-copy/ |title=Wine: Both Barrels, signed copy |publisher=Olly Smith |date=2014-11-11 |access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref> in 2012, ''Behind Enemy Wines''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ollysmith.com/shop/books/behind-enemy-wines-signed-copy/ |title=Behind Enemy Wines, signed copy |publisher=Olly Smith |date= |access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref> in 2013, ''Drinking For Chaps'' in 2018, and ''Fizz'' in 2019.<ref name="WW" /> His sixth book, ''Home Cocktail Bible'', was published in November 2021.
He has written five books, ''Eat & Drink: Good Food That’s Great to Drink With''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ollysmith.com/shop/books/eat-drink-signed-copy/ |title=Eat & Drink, signed copy |publisher=Olly Smith |date=2014-11-11 |access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref> in 2010, ''Wine: Both Barrels''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ollysmith.com/shop/categories/wine-both-barrels-signed-copy/ |title=Wine: Both Barrels, signed copy |publisher=Olly Smith |date=2014-11-11 |access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref> in 2012, ''Behind Enemy Wines''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ollysmith.com/shop/books/behind-enemy-wines-signed-copy/ |title=Behind Enemy Wines, signed copy |publisher=Olly Smith |date= |access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref> in 2013, ''Drinking For Chaps'' in 2018, and ''Fizz'' in 2019.<ref name="WW" /> His sixth book, ''Home Cocktail Bible'', was published in November 2021.


Smith previously wrote for film and TV including three series of ''[[Pingu]]'',<ref>{{Citation |title=Series 4 Ep7 - Richard Bainbridge and Jeremy Lee |url=https://soundcloud.com/grilledbythestaffcanteen/series-4-ep7-richard-bainbridge-and-jeremy-lee/s-1ijXCAVZjZX |language=en |access-date=2022-05-15}}</ref> ''[[Wallace and Gromit]]'' and ''[[Charlie and Lola]]''.<ref name="ollysmith1">{{cite web |date=2014-11-11 |title=About |url= |publisher=Olly Smith}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Series 4 Ep7 - Richard Bainbridge and Jeremy Lee |url=https://soundcloud.com/grilledbythestaffcanteen/series-4-ep7-richard-bainbridge-and-jeremy-lee/s-1ijXCAVZjZX |language=en |access-date=2022-05-15}}</ref>
Smith previously wrote for film and TV including [[Pingu]], [[Wallace and Gromit]] and [[Charlie and Lola]].<ref name="ollysmith1"/>


==Television ==
==Television ==
Smith regularly appears as a drinks expert on BBC1's ''[[Saturday Kitchen]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ollysmith.com/media/television/saturday-kitchen/ |title=BBC Saturday Kitchen |publisher=Olly Smith |date= |access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref> and has recently appeared on Pointless Celebrities, Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel and ''[[Question of Sport]].''
Smith regularly appears as a drinks expert on BBC1's ''[[Saturday Kitchen]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ollysmith.com/media/television/saturday-kitchen/ |title=BBC Saturday Kitchen |publisher=Olly Smith |date= |access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref> and has recently appeared on Pointless Celebrities, Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel, [[Richard Osman's House of Games]] and ''[[Question of Sport]]''.


He presented two series of [https://www.athenafilms.co.uk/productions/15-olly-smith-ale-trails ''Ale Trails''] for the [[Travel Channel International|Travel Channel]] in 2016 and 2017 and in September 2014 presented a four-part series ''Last Taste of Summer'', which aired on ''This Morning''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ollysmith.com/media/television/last-taste-summer/ |title=Last Taste of Summer |publisher=Olly Smith |date=2014-11-11 |access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Iron Chef UK|date=2021-01-30|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Iron_Chef_UK&oldid=1003655365|work=Wikipedia|language=en|access-date=2021-03-12}}</ref>
He presented two series of ''Ale Trails'' for the [[Travel Channel International|Travel Channel]] in 2016 and 2017 and in September 2014 presented a four-part series ''Last Taste of Summer'', which aired on ''This Morning''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ollysmith.com/media/television/last-taste-summer/ |title=Last Taste of Summer |publisher=Olly Smith |date=2014-11-11 |access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Iron Chef UK|date=2021-01-30|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Iron_Chef_UK&oldid=1003655365|work=Wikipedia|language=en|access-date=2021-03-12}}</ref>


In 2011, he presented a ten-part series for Channel 4 entitled ''The Secret Supper Club''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-secret-supper-club |title=The Secret Supper Club - All 4 |publisher=Channel4.com |date=2015-02-12 |access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref> and in 2010, he hosted the short-lived ''[[Iron Chef UK]]''.
In 2011, he presented a ten-part series for Channel 4 entitled ''The Secret Supper Club''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-secret-supper-club |title=The Secret Supper Club - All 4 |publisher=Channel4.com |date=2015-02-12 |access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref> and in 2010, he hosted the short-lived ''[[Iron Chef UK]]''.
Line 44: Line 48:
Outside of the UK, he presented a documentary series about [[Chilean wine]], ''Uncorking the South'', for [[Canal 13 (Chile)|Canal 13]].{{citation needed|date=September 2016}}
Outside of the UK, he presented a documentary series about [[Chilean wine]], ''Uncorking the South'', for [[Canal 13 (Chile)|Canal 13]].{{citation needed|date=September 2016}}


He is also a [[voice artist|voice-over artist]], narrating ''Chic Eats'' for The [[Discovery Channel]], performing voices for [[ITV Network|ITV]] show ''[[The Amazing Adrenalini Brothers]]'' as well as writing and presenting ''Dude, Where's My Title?'' for [[BBC Radio 4]]. He also performed alongside [[Roger Moore]] in ''The Fly Who Loved Me'' Christmas cartoon for [[United Nations Children's Fund|UNICEF]].
He is also a [[voice-over artist]], narrating ''Chic Eats'' for The [[Discovery Channel]], performing voices for [[ITV Network|ITV]] show ''[[The Amazing Adrenalini Brothers]]'' as well as writing and presenting ''Dude, Where's My Title?'' for [[BBC Radio 4]]. He also performed alongside [[Roger Moore]] in ''The Fly Who Loved Me'' Christmas cartoon for [[UNICEF]].


In February 2022, Smith won an episode of ''[[Celebrity Mastermind]]''; his specialist subject was the 1987 British [[Black comedy|black comedy]] film ''[[Withnail and I]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ollysmith.com/mastermind/|title=Celebrity Mastermind|website=ollysmith.com|access-date=5 March 2022}}</ref>
In February 2022, Smith won an episode of ''[[Celebrity Mastermind]]''; his specialist subject was the 1987 British [[black comedy]] film ''[[Withnail and I]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ollysmith.com/mastermind/|title=Celebrity Mastermind|website=ollysmith.com|date=19 February 2022 |access-date=5 March 2022}}</ref>

In June 2024, Smith was a contestant on an episode of ''[[Celebrity Bridge of Lies]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00204cv|title=Celebrity Bridge of Lies|website=bbc.co.uk/programmes|access-date=9 June 2024}}</ref>


== Podcast ==
== Podcast ==
Smith’s popular drinks podcast ''A Glass With'' is in its tenth series with a celebrity guest in each episode. Previous guests include [[Pink (singer)|Pink]], [[Kylie Minogue]], [[Sting (musician)|Sting]] and [[Trudie Styler]] and actor [[Sam Neill]]. The format sees Smith share a glass with his guest while chatting informally around a variety of subjects. The podcast is produced by Pod Monkey in the UK and has attracted sponsorship from [[Majestic Wine]], Inter Rhône, Babylonstoren, Regal Rogue Vermouth and [[The Wine Society]].
Smith’s popular drinks podcast ''A Glass With'' is in its tenth series with a celebrity guest in each episode. Previous guests include [[Pink (singer)|Pink]], [[Kylie Minogue]], [[Sting (musician)|Sting]] and [[Trudie Styler]] and actor [[Sam Neill]]. The format sees Smith share a glass with his guest while chatting informally around a variety of subjects. The podcast is produced by Pod Monkey in the UK and has attracted sponsorship from [[Majestic Wine]], Inter Rhône, Babylonstoren, Regal Rogue Vermouth and [[The Wine Society]].

Smith has made guest appearances on numerous other podcasts, including Grilled by The Staff Canteen,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grilled by The Staff Canteen |url=https://soundcloud.com/grilledbythestaffcanteen |access-date=2022-05-15 |website=SoundCloud |language=en}}</ref> On Jimmy's Farm, The Moon Under Water, Two Guys One Topic, The English Wine Diaries and The Bubble.


== P&O Cruises ==
== P&O Cruises ==
Smith is a 'Food Hero' for [[P&O Cruises]] and has a group of award winning Glass House wine bars across the fleet including its newest flagship cruise ship, Iona.
Smith is a 'Food Hero' for [[P&O Cruises]] and has a group of Glass House wine bars across the fleet including its newest flagship cruise ship, ''Iona''.


==Awards==
==Awards==
In 2011, Smith was named by Off Licence News among the top 75 most influential people in the UK wine trade.<ref>Off Licence News, 16 May 2011, Top 75 Most Influential People in Wine</ref>
In 2011, Smith was named by ''Off Licence ''News among the top 75 most influential people in the UK wine trade.<ref>Off Licence News, 16 May 2011, Top 75 Most Influential People in Wine</ref>


*Best Drinks Writer – Great British Food Awards 2019, 2017 & 2016
*Best Drinks Writer – Great British Food Awards 2019, 2017 & 2016
*United Kingdom Vineyards Association Communicator of the Year 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ollysmith.com/olly-wins-communicator-of-the-year-5848/ |title=Olly wins Communicator of the Year! |publisher=Olly Smith |date= 2012-07-19|access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref>
*United Kingdom Vineyards Association Communicator of the Year 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ollysmith.com/olly-wins-communicator-of-the-year-5848/ |title=Olly wins Communicator of the Year! |publisher=Olly Smith |date= 2012-07-19|access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref>
*Roederer Awards Finalist for International Columnist of the Year 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theroedererawards.com/shortlist2012.html |title=Louis Roederer Wine Writers Awards &#124; finalists |publisher=Theroedererawards.com |date= |access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref>
*Roederer Awards Finalist for International Columnist of the Year 2012<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theroedererawards.com/shortlist2012.html |title=Louis Roederer Wine Writers Awards &#124; finalists |publisher=Theroedererawards.com |date= |access-date=2015-11-25 |archive-date=26 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126054729/http://www.theroedererawards.com/shortlist2012.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*Wines of Portugal Journalism Award 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ollysmith.com/olly-wins-journalism-award-4912/ |title=Olly wins Journalism Award! |publisher=Olly Smith |date= March 2012|access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref>
*Wines of Portugal Journalism Award 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ollysmith.com/olly-wins-journalism-award-4912/ |title=Olly wins Journalism Award! |publisher=Olly Smith |date= March 2012|access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref>
*International Wine & Spirits Communicator of the Year Award 2009 <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tizwine.com/index.php/ps_pagename/pdfpressrelease/news/1420/.pdf |title=IWSC Communicator of the Year 2009 announced at Vinitaly Gala opening night |date=April 2009 |publisher=Tizwine.com |access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref>
*International Wine & Spirits Communicator of the Year Award 2009 <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tizwine.com/index.php/ps_pagename/pdfpressrelease/news/1420/.pdf |title=IWSC Communicator of the Year 2009 announced at Vinitaly Gala opening night |date=April 2009 |publisher=Tizwine.com |access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref>
Line 85: Line 93:
[[Category:1974 births]]
[[Category:1974 births]]
[[Category:Choristers of the Choir of King's College, Cambridge]]
[[Category:Choristers of the Choir of King's College, Cambridge]]
[[Category:Writers from Darlington]]

Latest revision as of 10:51, 6 October 2024

Olly Smith
Smith in 2009
Born (1974-09-18) 18 September 1974 (age 50)
Darlington, County Durham, England, UK
Occupation(s)TV presenter, wine expert and author.
SpouseSophie Smith
Children2
RelativesWill Smith (brother)

Olly Smith (born 18 September 1974) is a British TV presenter, wine expert, columnist and author.

Education and career

[edit]

Having discovered a love for singing, at eight years of age,[1] he became a chorister at King's College, Cambridge, which saw him travel far and wide to sing, including in Japan, East Berlin and Finland,[2] and earned him a music scholarship at Charterhouse School,[3] where he met his future wife and chief of staff Sophie Smith.[4] He gained a master's degree in English Literature at the University of Edinburgh.[5]

Growing up, Smith worked in a wine shop as a cellar boy. He worked as a film and TV writer until he took part in Hardys-backed TV competition Wine Idol in 2005, and won.[6] Part of his prize was an audition to appear on Great Food Live. [7] Realising that there were opportunities for him to make a career in wine on television, Smith made his segue from screenwriting, studying wine in his spare time.[8] He eventually made it onto a Sky One series, Taste, which opened up the many TV opportunities, including the Richard and Judy Wine Club, Saturday Kitchen, The Wheel, Mastermind, Tipping Point and more.[9]

Family background

[edit]

The son of a nurse and a music teacher,[10] Smith's older brother is the comedian and writer Will Smith.[11] Smith was born in Darlington, County Durham, and grew up in Jersey.[12] As a child he was a chorister in the Choir of King's College, Cambridge.[13] He lives in Sussex with his family.[14]

Writing

[edit]

Smith is the drinks columnist for the Mail on Sunday's YOU magazine.

He has written five books, Eat & Drink: Good Food That’s Great to Drink With[15] in 2010, Wine: Both Barrels[16] in 2012, Behind Enemy Wines[17] in 2013, Drinking For Chaps in 2018, and Fizz in 2019.[5] His sixth book, Home Cocktail Bible, was published in November 2021.

Smith previously wrote for film and TV including three series of Pingu,[18] Wallace and Gromit and Charlie and Lola.[19][20]

Television

[edit]

Smith regularly appears as a drinks expert on BBC1's Saturday Kitchen[21] and has recently appeared on Pointless Celebrities, Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel, Richard Osman's House of Games and Question of Sport.

He presented two series of Ale Trails for the Travel Channel in 2016 and 2017 and in September 2014 presented a four-part series Last Taste of Summer, which aired on This Morning.[22][23]

In 2011, he presented a ten-part series for Channel 4 entitled The Secret Supper Club.[24] and in 2010, he hosted the short-lived Iron Chef UK.

Outside of the UK, he presented a documentary series about Chilean wine, Uncorking the South, for Canal 13.[citation needed]

He is also a voice-over artist, narrating Chic Eats for The Discovery Channel, performing voices for ITV show The Amazing Adrenalini Brothers as well as writing and presenting Dude, Where's My Title? for BBC Radio 4. He also performed alongside Roger Moore in The Fly Who Loved Me Christmas cartoon for UNICEF.

In February 2022, Smith won an episode of Celebrity Mastermind; his specialist subject was the 1987 British black comedy film Withnail and I.[25]

In June 2024, Smith was a contestant on an episode of Celebrity Bridge of Lies.[26]

Podcast

[edit]

Smith’s popular drinks podcast A Glass With is in its tenth series with a celebrity guest in each episode. Previous guests include Pink, Kylie Minogue, Sting and Trudie Styler and actor Sam Neill. The format sees Smith share a glass with his guest while chatting informally around a variety of subjects. The podcast is produced by Pod Monkey in the UK and has attracted sponsorship from Majestic Wine, Inter Rhône, Babylonstoren, Regal Rogue Vermouth and The Wine Society.

Smith has made guest appearances on numerous other podcasts, including Grilled by The Staff Canteen,[27] On Jimmy's Farm, The Moon Under Water, Two Guys One Topic, The English Wine Diaries and The Bubble.

P&O Cruises

[edit]

Smith is a 'Food Hero' for P&O Cruises and has a group of Glass House wine bars across the fleet including its newest flagship cruise ship, Iona.

Awards

[edit]

In 2011, Smith was named by Off Licence News among the top 75 most influential people in the UK wine trade.[28]

  • Best Drinks Writer – Great British Food Awards 2019, 2017 & 2016
  • United Kingdom Vineyards Association Communicator of the Year 2012[29]
  • Roederer Awards Finalist for International Columnist of the Year 2012[30]
  • Wines of Portugal Journalism Award 2012[31]
  • International Wine & Spirits Communicator of the Year Award 2009 [32]
  • Drinks Business Young Achiever of the Year Award 2009 [33]

Patron

[edit]

Smith is a patron of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust and The Drinks Trust.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Series 4 Ep6 - Richard Bainbridge and Olly Smith 'The Wine Guy', retrieved 15 May 2022
  2. ^ Series 4 Ep6 - Richard Bainbridge and Olly Smith 'The Wine Guy', retrieved 15 May 2022
  3. ^ Series 4 Ep7 - Richard Bainbridge and Jeremy Lee, retrieved 15 May 2022
  4. ^ Series 4 Ep7 - Richard Bainbridge and Jeremy Lee, retrieved 15 May 2022
  5. ^ a b "Smith, Olly, (born 18 Sept. 1974), wine columnist and TV presenter; wine expert, Saturday Kitchen, since 2007 | WHO'S WHO & WHO WAS WHO". www.ukwhoswho.com. doi:10.1093/ww/9780199540884.013.U292889. ISBN 978-0-19-954088-4.
  6. ^ Series 4 Ep6 - Richard Bainbridge and Olly Smith 'The Wine Guy', retrieved 15 May 2022
  7. ^ Series 4 Ep6 - Richard Bainbridge and Olly Smith 'The Wine Guy', retrieved 15 May 2022
  8. ^ Series 4 Ep6 - Richard Bainbridge and Olly Smith 'The Wine Guy', retrieved 15 May 2022
  9. ^ Series 4 Ep6 - Richard Bainbridge and Olly Smith 'The Wine Guy', retrieved 15 May 2022
  10. ^ Series 4 Ep6 - Richard Bainbridge and Olly Smith 'The Wine Guy', retrieved 15 May 2022
  11. ^ "Olly Smith on Twitter: "@tvpeanuts Yes I am related to Will Smith! I'm delighted to reveal that he is my brother, do follow him @willsmithuk"". Twitter.com. 28 April 2011. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  12. ^ Reporter (7 September 2014). "My favourite holiday Olly Smith". sundaypost.com. Retrieved 5 April 2019.
  13. ^ "Cambridge Corn Exchange to host The Three Wine Men". Cambridge Independent. 17 November 2017. Retrieved 11 June 2019.
  14. ^ "TV Wine Expert Olly Smith Raises A Glass To Sussex". absolutelymagazines.com. 1 February 2023. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  15. ^ "Eat & Drink, signed copy". Olly Smith. 11 November 2014. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  16. ^ "Wine: Both Barrels, signed copy". Olly Smith. 11 November 2014. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  17. ^ "Behind Enemy Wines, signed copy". Olly Smith. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  18. ^ Series 4 Ep7 - Richard Bainbridge and Jeremy Lee, retrieved 15 May 2022
  19. ^ "About". Olly Smith. 11 November 2014. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  20. ^ Series 4 Ep7 - Richard Bainbridge and Jeremy Lee, retrieved 15 May 2022
  21. ^ "BBC Saturday Kitchen". Olly Smith. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  22. ^ "Last Taste of Summer". Olly Smith. 11 November 2014. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  23. ^ "Iron Chef UK", Wikipedia, 30 January 2021, retrieved 12 March 2021
  24. ^ "The Secret Supper Club - All 4". Channel4.com. 12 February 2015. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  25. ^ "Celebrity Mastermind". ollysmith.com. 19 February 2022. Retrieved 5 March 2022.
  26. ^ "Celebrity Bridge of Lies". bbc.co.uk/programmes. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  27. ^ "Grilled by The Staff Canteen". SoundCloud. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  28. ^ Off Licence News, 16 May 2011, Top 75 Most Influential People in Wine
  29. ^ "Olly wins Communicator of the Year!". Olly Smith. 19 July 2012. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  30. ^ "Louis Roederer Wine Writers Awards | finalists". Theroedererawards.com. Archived from the original on 26 November 2015. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  31. ^ "Olly wins Journalism Award!". Olly Smith. March 2012. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  32. ^ "IWSC Communicator of the Year 2009 announced at Vinitaly Gala opening night" (PDF). Tizwine.com. April 2009. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  33. ^ "Drinks Business Awards 2009". Thedrinksbusiness.com. 1 January 1970. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
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