Meet Vernon Banham, our dedicated in-house sommelier.
Behind the Label – My Journey in Wine
Hello, I’m Vernon Banham, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my many years of exploring food and wine, it’s that the best wines tell a story. A story of the land, the people who make it, and those moments shared over a glass that turn into lifelong memories. I’ve been fortunate enough to taste, travel, and meet incredible characters along the way, and now, I get to bring all of that back home to Norfolk, sharing it with you here at Jarrolds Foodhall.
My journey into wine began, like many good stories, at home. Born and raised in Norfolk, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the land. My family’s roots in farming, fishing, and brewing were an early influence. But the world of wine? That came later, after years of travel, study, and some unexpected adventures.
I’ll admit, I’ve had some amazing opportunities. After studying winemaking in Germany, I had the chance to take up a position in the beautiful vineyards of Paarl, South Africa. Tempting as it was, I couldn’t quite tear myself away from Norfolk, so I set about finding the best way to merge the local with the international. That decision has allowed me to live out my dream of bringing the world’s finest wines back to my hometown and pairing them with the incredible food and flavours we have here.
Of course, not every wine adventure has been smooth sailing.
One trip that stands out in my memory is my whistle-stop tour of South Australia’s wine regions. A friend and colleague, Tony, suggested I visit some key producers he worked with, and I jumped at the chance to visit iconic spots like the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and the Coonawarra. But what he didn’t tell me was that I’d be spending my first day in the country being flown across Adelaide’s red earth landscape in what felt like a glorified tin can.
Our pilot, Graham, was a former airline captain who clearly enjoyed showing off his country, pointing out places like Billabong Springs and Koala Creek—names I wasn’t entirely sure were real! Then, just as I was about to ask him to stop, we touched down—well, bounced—on a small airstrip in the middle of Coonawarra vineyards. Graham apologized for the rough landing, but at that point, all I cared about was getting my feet back on solid ground.
That adventure, and the many glasses of Cabernet Sauvignon that followed, is something I’ll never forget. In fact, one of the wines I’m most proud to offer at Jarrolds is the Yalumba Cigar Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, an outstanding wine from that very region. Its bold blackcurrant, spice, and cedar notes bring me right back to that day in Australia, and I love being able to share that memory—and that taste—with customers here in Norwich.
It’s not just the international wines though.
Some of the most satisfying parts of my career have been spent working with local breweries and gin distillers, helping develop new products that celebrate Norfolk’s rich history in crafting fine drinks. But ultimately, for me, wine is about people. That’s why I find the most joy in engaging face-to-face with fellow wine lovers, answering questions, and helping people discover a bottle they can truly enjoy.
That’s what my time at Jarrolds is all about. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or someone just starting to explore the world of wine, I’m here to make your experience fun, approachable, and, most of all, enjoyable. After all, wine isn’t just for sipping; it’s for sharing, for storytelling, and for celebrating life’s small pleasures.
In future posts, I’ll be diving into specific wines, sharing tasting notes, and offering pairing suggestions—whether it’s a vibrant Viognier to match a delicate fish dish or a robust Super Tuscan that can hold its own with a hearty roast. And, of course, I’ll throw in a few more stories from my travels along the way.
So, here’s to great wine, good company, and the stories that make each bottle special. I look forward to seeing you at Jarrolds Foodhall, where we can raise a glass together. Cheers!
– Vernon Banham