About Me
Philip Stephenson-Oliver - Wine merchant, influencer, politician and reservist solider
I was born on August 2nd, 1993, at Pembroke Hospital in Royal Tunbridge Wells. The anecdote behind my given name, Philip, stems from a rather memorable introduction to life—I apparently christened Doctor Philip with a surprise baptism of sorts, courtesy of a well-timed newborn urination.
My early years were spent in Langton Green, just beyond Tunbridge Wells, where I attended the Holmwood House Prep School. The trajectory of my education took a somewhat winding path due to my parents' tumultuous divorce, leading me through various schools such as Claremont and Heathfield College.
The picturesque landscapes of Sussex became the backdrop to most of my upbringing, I have lived in Lewes, Stonegate, Robertsbridge, and Cross in Hand. Sussex, renowned for its contribution to English sparkling wine, marked a significant chapter where I delved into the world of viticulture, partaking in my first grape harvest at the age of 18.
My academic journey led me to the University of Kent, where I immersed myself in the study of history and politics. University life saw me deeply involved in campus politics—I served as the LGBT Officer for Kent Union, Vice Chairman of the Conservative Association, and later ascended to the role of Chairman of the Classical Liberal Society.
Post-graduation, my ambition to join the regular army as an officer faced a detour due to a medical setback relation to a heart problem, later revealed to be a misdiagnosis. This detour led me to use my knowledge of wine to become a junior sommelier at Pelham House in Lewes and later as a Wine Advisor at Laithwaite's Wines in Theale. This journey ultimately brought me to Maida vale in London where Is till live to this day.
At laithwaites I pursued WSET wine and spirits training, achieving Level 3 with merit. I then moved to become a senior account executive at a small French wine importer called caves de Pierre which I would arguably is one of the best wine importers in the UK. The pandemic-induced furlough prompted me to venture into entrepreneurship, leading to the establishment of my own company, Wine Tasting Adventures, operating under the trade name Virtual Wines. Since then, we've evolved to specialize in hosting large corporate tastings working with notble companies such as legal and general, Salesforce and WSP. This year we became the UK's highest rated wine tasting company on trustpilot. Our website now proudly showcases a diverse array of over 700 different types of wines from every corner of the wine world.
In the political arena, my involvement with the Westminster North Conservative Association saw me climb the ranks, from Youth Officer to Vice Chairman and, eventually, Chairman in 2022—making me one of the youngest chairman in the country. Despite a narrow loss as the Conservative candidate in the 2022 Westminster City Council elections, my tenure as Chairman was marked by increased membership, boundary changes, and resilience in the face of challenges. I was widely regarded as one of the most successful and popular association chairman that the association has had for some time winning praise at the time from local MP's, Association president Lady Margot Bright & Westminster Conservative leader Rachael Robathan.
In 2020, I embarked on a new chapter as a reservist soldier in the British Army. After completing basic training in 2021, I proudly passed out as a serving soldier at the Honourable Artillery Company, the oldest regiment in the British Army.
Since then, I've proudly represented the army at prominent public events, including the opening of parliament, the Lord Mayor's Show, and Remembrance Sunday. Recognition for my contributions is imminent with the upcoming Coronation Service Medal.
Articles about me:
https://www.westminsterextra.co.uk/article/senseless-attack-on-democracy-at-tory-party-office'
https://about.me/philip-stephenson-oliver
https://www.westminsterconservatives.com/news/meet-laila-and-philip-team-lancaster-gate
Follow my Instagram where I do daily wine educational videos:
thewineman__