Sue Carter

A love of food, wine and cooking, combined with a move to the USA was the catalyst for a career switch from Graphic Design to the world of wine retail when Sue and husband Leonard Joseph opened The Cellar in Austin Texas in 1986. A sharp learning curve followed, and over the next 15 years our knowledge about all things wine increased exponentially, allowing The Cellar to become one of Austin’s foremost wine stores. The store was sold in 2001, and after a hiatus, Sue went on to use her skills within the event world, starting as a part-time Wine Coordinator for the Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival. She was appointed as Director of the Festival in 2006. In 2009, after returning to the UK, Sue was inspired to try and establish a Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International in London. This philanthropic organisation is comprised of leading women in the businesses of cooking, fine beverage and hospitality, and its mission is to mentor and financially support, where necessary, other women pursuing careers in these same worlds. In 2010, with the help of key women in the UK culinary scene, the first Chapter of LDEI outside of North America was ratified. Sue continues to take an active role as Secretary and Treasurer of Les Dames d’Escoffier London, and as such continues to enjoy event planning and the world of food and wine.