Dee Bhatia Founder & CEO
Posted on Mon 13th Jul 2015 at 12:48
Dee Bhatia, Founder and CEO of Signature Global, describes fine wines as a feast for the palate, especially those from the Balkans region, which boast deep waves of rich and intense flavours. Impressed with the Stobi Winery, the quality of their wine, their team and the company’s philosophy, Dee was keen to appoint the brand to the Signature portfolio. Focused on bringing high-quality, undiscovered wines to a British audience, Dee has been pleased to provoke a great response from retailers, industry experts and Masters of Wine for the Stobi brand. 1. What made you want to get into the wine
Dee Bhatia, Founder and CEO of Signature Global, describes fine wines as a feast for the palate, especially those from the Balkans region, which boast deep waves of rich and intense flavours. Impressed with the Stobi Winery, the quality of their wine, their team and the company’s philosophy, Dee was keen to appoint the brand to the Signature portfolio. Focused on bringing high-quality, undiscovered wines to a British audience, Dee has been pleased to provoke a great response from retailers, industry experts and Masters of Wine for the Stobi brand.
1. What made you want to get into the wine industry? I have many friends and acquaintances from the Eastern Mediterranean and already have established businesses in that region, including the largest fresh produce greenhouse in Serbia. For me, wine is an extension of the plate, a main component of a meal and a means to bring people together. Through my connections I was introduced to the Stobi Winery and after sampling the wine - which was just like an intense fruit bomb on the palate, I was extremely impressed. Not only was the wine brimming with character and of the highest quality, but their work ethos reflected my own passion and philosophy for business. My goal is to bring a new kind of wine experience to the British palate, and after being introduced to the uniquely delicious taste of the Eastern Mediterranean captured in a glass, I was keen to represent it and the region. I hope to grow the Signature Wines business to be a specialist wine importer for the Eastern Mediterranean and it seems we have picked a good time and quality wines to do so from the reaction to the brand and product.
2. Was it what you expected? I was told at the start that it would be very difficult to launch a new brand and emerging region to the UK wine market that had very discerning tastes. I was also advised it would take a huge investment. This fuelled my passion; I believe in approaching life with creativity and a sense of possibility! The reaction to the wines has been truly phenomenal and I have been delighted by the results. We have also been praised at many of the wine events for our professionalism and presentations as an importer which means a lot to me as I always put quality and service at the core of my business and any brand I represent must have similar values.
3. What is the best part about this new venture? What sets these wines apart and makes them unique, is that they’re made from indigenous varieties from the Macedonian wine making region. When people ask me why I have ventured into this exciting world of wine, I reply that wine enhances conversations, the flavour of an ordinary meal, improves the ability to live in the moment and is something to share, savour and enjoy with friends. I love learning about the wine regions and experiencing new tastes. Also taking on the challenge and seeing such positive reactions from MW, trade and consumers has to be one of the best parts of this new venture.
4. Which is your favourite Stobi Wine and why? I love the Petit Verdot Barrique and the Syrah Barrique. Both are incredibly rich with flavour and character and go well with roasted red meats.
5. Who would you share your last bottle of wine with? My family, as thanks for all their support and love.
6. Where would you most like to live? I love the Balkans and have had many special holidays with friends close to the coast. I’ve been lucky to have been invited out on impressive yachts, enjoying good food and good wine out in the open which is very relaxing, not something I get too much time to do! One can dream…..
7. What ‘can’t you live without’. My family, my friends, phone, internet.
8. What is your motto? Be the best you can be.
9. Who is your hero? My father, who inspired my passion for working hard to achieve goals.
10. Finish this sentence: “wine is best drunk……” With friends over a delicious meal.