SURROUNDED by bottles and rows of gleaming glasses, Rob Price is a man with a mission...to take the snobbery out of wine.

For Walsall-born Rob, 48, has launched Birmingham Wine School, aimed at ordinary people who want to get to know a bit more about the subject.

“I hate wine snobbery,” says the father-of-three.

“It’s just about enjoying it – opening a bottle of wine and enjoying it.”

The approach reflects Rob’s background – his career didn’t begin in the wine trade, but initially as an accountant and later in IT and retail.

He worked abroad and, during that time, visited vineyards in places like California’s Napa Valley, Spain, Italy and France.

As he began collecting bottles, his interest grew.

So much so that he decided to change career and left his senior post BT with the support of his wife Catherine.

“I wanted to do something in wine – something I would be passionate about,” he explains.

Rob searched for options and decided to launch Birmingham Wine School, first studying for qualifications with the Wine and Spirit Education Trust.

The sessions will be informal, with Rob explaining the characteristics of grapes and wine regions.

He hopes that they will help people better understand what they like in a particular wine so they can make wiser selections when they buy their next bottle.

“We will discuss things like acidity and tannins,” adds Rob.

“But above all I see it as entertainment. It’s informal, not serious.”

The first session took place this week at the Old Joint Stock pub overlooking St Philip’s Cathedral

in the city centre. A ten-week course begins on September 16. There are also plans for one-off events.

“There are no other wine schools dedicated to Birmingham, so I saw a gap in the market to fulfil my passion as well as run a business,” says Rob, who lives near Banbury.

“The school’s evening tastings will focus on specific wine regions, while weekend courses will allow tasters to glean a more in-depth understanding of exciting new grape varieties and countries.

“Wine is a journey that never ends. A journey that is enjoyable.”

For more information or to book a course, visit www.birminghamwineschool.com or call Rob on 01295 679 313.

* ROB’S TOP TIPS

* Try to buy from specialist wine merchants who will be better placed to offer advice than supermarkets.

* Give sherry a chance – he reckons it is great value.

* Don’t dismiss sweet wines – the best, such as Sauternes, can be superb.