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Educator

Events

Consultant

Researcher

Writer

I’ve always been a mover and a shaker.

At the age of 21, I passed the prestigious WSET Diploma of Wine and Spirits earning me the title of ‘the youngest certified wine expert in history’.

I created and executed two of NZ’s most disruptive, large-scale events: The World of Wine Festival - NZ’s first ever international-only wine tasting, which showcased over 140 wines from 14 countries, and the ground-breaking Ferment! Festival - a celebration of everything from chocolate to sourdough and Champagne.

Oh, and I was importing Finger Lakes Riesling & Pet-Nats before they were “cool”!

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy

Since 2014, I have been an educator, specialising in WSET Level 2 & 3, staff education, and more recently at UOA in the Chemistry Dept.

I have hosted hundreds of tastings and masterclasses and conceived of multiple large scale (6,000+ pax) events.

I have worked with many businesses, from chocolate makers to wineries, as a consultant on product design & advertising campaigns.

For 10+ years, I have been working as a wine buyer and advisor for a number of private clients and businesses.

I am a researcher and have published my PhD work, in bioinorganic chemistry, in leading academic journals.

Several magazines, award-winning books, journals & blogs have featured my work as a writer. I’ve also worked as a scientific editor.

FIND OUT WHAT I CAN DO FOR YOU

  • "A most wonderful young man. Already so accomplished."

    Michael Broadbent MW

  • "You just don't meet people with his knowledge, personality and ability to keep a room engaged every day. A rare talent."

    —Samuel Guilbert, Mas de Daumas Gassac

  • "I've worked with Connal for over a decade. Somehow he manages to exceed my expectations on every project. Great guy with a great sense of humour!"

    —Doug Kemp, winecellar.co.nz

  • "One of the best collaborations I have ever had. More than a colleague, he's family."

    —Richard Klein, Artigiano Imports

Wine is not my only love.

First and foremost it is FOOD. I studied as a chef de pâtisserie at Le Cordon Bleu straight out of high school. It is an obsession which has seen me travel specially to enjoy dim sum in Beijing, grilled reindeer in Svalbard, and gelati across Italia.

My other excuses to travel are live music gigs, art museums, the opera & the theatre, and the incredible architecture from yesteryear.

Oh, and I’m a bit of chemistry nerd. My PhD is in bioinorganic catalyst design.

My events have made a real

SPLASH!

CHECK OUT MY PAST PROJECTS

Professionalism with a smile & a chuckle or two

Close-up of a smiling man (Connal Finlay) with curly dark hair, beard, and mustache, wearing a blue and white striped shirt.

Got an idea that you want to get off the ground? A wine list that needs writing?

A manuscript that needs polishing? A group of friends who want a wine masterclass?

Need a new website that will stand out? An event you need organised?

LET'S CHAT

Reach out today.

Reach out today.

CONTACT ME