About Us - Barbera and Champagne

B&C wine experts seek out real gems from small family-run vineyards in Italy, Spain and France, and offer them at very competitive prices. The team is led by Simona and Chris, pictured above at a Chaîne des Rôtisseurs event.

Why Barbera & Champagne?

The name was inspired by the Italian song made famous by Giorgio Gaber about two men from completely different backgrounds: one, a poor agricultural worker drinks Barbera and the other, a wealthy playboy drinks Champagne. Both men, suffering from broken relationships look for solace in the wines they drink, and end up swapping their wines… and are very surprised to find they enjoy the other’s glass more than their own!

Here at B&C Niche Wines, whether you buy Barbera, Champagne or any of our hand-crafted wines, we are certain that you will be happy with your purchase. (And if not, we’ll happily change it for you)

Who are we?

Dr Simona Caprioli has been tasting wine for over 40 years (they start them young in Italy!) and is a renowned wine expert. She was an official wine taster with the AIS (Italian Sommelier Association) and a tutor and freelance consultant for wine companies both in Italy and Spain. With her broad knowledge and expertise in particular in wines from France, Spain and Italy, she spends her time searching out exceptional wines from small family-run vineyards.

Simona passed the first year MW qualification, studied oenology at OC Davis for two years and became a recognised WSET Educator and tutor at Noble Vines Wine School. She is a Knight of the Order of the Truffle and Wines of Alba, and was a Professionnel du Vin of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

Christopher Cowan has been collecting wine for over 40 years, and in 2010 he reduced his professional workload in order to focus on the wine industry. He expanded his industry knowledge gaining a WSET Diploma in Wine, became a a WSET Certified Educator and an Approved Programme Provider of WSET courses provided by a sister company, Noble Vines Wine School. He is Knight of the Order of the Truffle and Wines of Alba and was a Professionnel du Vin of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. He established and ran the Oriental Club Wine Society for five years to 2016.