Hugh Ryman studied in Bordeaux - where he now lives - and worked in Australia (at the illustrious Petaluma winery) before taking over the winemaking at his family's Chateau de la Jaubertie estate in Bergerac. Having turned the chateau into one of the best in the appellation, Ryman became one of the first "flying winemakers" - experts who were sent in by overseas customers to oversee and improve the way wines were made at wineries in countries ranging from France and Spain to Chile and Hungary. Ryman's efforts won numerous awards and helped raise standards wherever he worked, and by example, by countless other producers in those regions. Today, while the average quality has risen hugely, many producers still fail to appreciate the tastes of wine drinkers outside their own area. An this is where Ryman with his skill experience of making and selling wine across the world has proven to be so valuable. His aim, wherever he works is to help producers to make wine that is recognizeably from their regions but which also appeals to modern wine drinkers.