It is with great sadness that Berkmann Wine Cellars announces the death of long-serving Sales Director Jacquie Kay, who passed away on Monday 19th June.
Jacquie died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, after a very private battle with cancer.
In her 35 years at Berkmann Wine Cellars, Jacquie occupied several successive roles, culminating in the position of London Sales Director, with a seat on the board. Jacquie was integral to the business’s success and a true doyenne of the wine trade, gaining great respect in the wine and restaurant industries.
Joseph Berkmann commented, “Jacquie was gentle, diplomatic, kind and much liked by all. She was forever a close member of our family, and exceedingly loyal to me through many difficult moments. She’ll be sorely missed.”
Jacquie joined Berkmann Wine Cellars in 1982 at the age of 31 to develop the private client business, which soon evolved into a wine club called Le Nez Rouge. Members of the club included celebrities of the day such as film director Richard Attenborough, author Len Deighton, music producer George Martin and comedian Spike Milligan, who all enjoyed the various tastings, dinners and other events organised by Jacquie.
With the wine club generating low sales, however, the determined salesperson in Jacquie spoke to company owner Joseph Berkmann claiming “in half an hour I can sell ten cases of wine to a restaurant instead of 1 bottle to a private client.” It was from this point in the company’s history that Jacquie helped build Berkmann Wine Cellars’ independent on and off-trade business into one of London’s most successful.
Funeral arrangements yet to be announced.