The Institute of Masters of Wine has announced the passing of Dee Blackstock MW. 

Blackstock entered the wine trade in 1984 with Gerard Harris Fine Wines Ltd. She then joined Waitrose PLC in 1991, where she remained a dedicated wine buyer until 2013. 

Blackstock’s areas of responsibility at Waitrose included Champagne, all sparkling wine, New Zealand, Australia, Burgundy, Rhône, the South of France, Germany and South Africa. 

In 1992, Blackstock passed the Master of Wine exams on her first attempt. She then went on to study for the Institute of Grocery Distribution diploma, where she was awarded a scholarship for overall marks. 

In recognition of her services to French wine, she was later made a Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite Agricole. 

In her retirement, Blackstock was a member of the UK’s Government Wine Committee. She was also a judge at the IWSC and Decanter World Wine Awards. 

She passed away following a short illness, aged 76. 

Remembering Dee, Patricia Stefanowicz MW, said: “Dee was always a wonderful companion, whether when she was tutoring some of us a wee bit behind her, or as a buyer, or as a fellow wine judge at various competitions. We shall really miss her calmness and poise.” 

Nancy Gilchrist MW added: “Amongst many memories of an excellent MW and a kind and gentle lady, I have the abiding image of the first time I met Dee. It was in a blind wine tasting class, and she caused a sensation as she walked in wearing the coolest pair of leopard print trousers. Always stylish. Always fun.” 

Neil Sommerfelt MW continued: “I remember Dee’s quiet diligent approach. She was always thorough and precise and seemed calmly on top of her buying responsibilities at all times. She could be great fun too.”