Waugh, Harry

(1904–2001), English wine merchant famous for his longevity, courtesy, and open mind. He did not enter the wine trade until he was 30, joining as a clerk in a long-established City of London business associated with the fashionable West End company of Block, Grey & Block, where he went to work and first displayed his ability in selecting and selling fine wines. At that time, few British wine merchants visited the sources of their wines, but relied on agents or their principals, who paid regular visits to Britain. In this way, Waugh met such well-known Bordeaux merchants as Christian Cruse, Jean Calvet, and Ronald barton. He also spent an annual holiday in the leading French wine areas with the late Allan sichel, wine importer and part-owner of Ch Palmer (see margaux).