Hello, and welcome. I’m Santo Bains, a wine writer and with a focus on the Spanish Canary Islands; a beautiful holiday destination that also happens to be one of the most exciting wine regions on Earth.

My work is independent, impartial, and driven wholly by the love of the activity and my desire to raise the profile of Canary Islands wines with the English-speaking world.

As well as writing and vlogging, I am working towards my goal of becoming a Master of Wine (MW), having most recently achieved the Wine & Spirit Education Trust Diploma (DipWSET) with merit, including blind tasting distinctions.

Prior to unleashing my deep-rooted passion for wine, I attained a doctorate in Earth Sciences from the University of Oxford and retired from a rewarding 15-year career as an exploration geologist.

I live in Oxfordshire with my partner Vicki and our 12-year-old son, George.