A TASTE for a tipple has turned into a new career for an Upper Clatford man who has been recognised as one of the world's top wine experts.

Martin Hudson, who lives in Watery Lane, was last week awarded the prestigious title of Master of Wine - joining a select group of fewer than 300 people world wide.

Now a wine-tasting trainer at Berry Bros & Rudd factory outlet in Basingstoke, Mr Hudson only entered the industry in 2002 working at Oddbins in Winchester after leaving his job as a computer cable designer.

He said: "If somebody had told me 10 years ago that I would be working at the UK's oldest wine merchant and a Master of Wine, I would have asked them to seek help.

"I have been an enthusiastic consumer of wine for years, but in 2000 I decided I wanted to know more so I did a WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) course in Salisbury and it all carried on from that."

To become a Master of Wine, Mr Hudson had to prove his tasting skill, as well as his knowledge of grape-growing and the workings of the international wine business.

He also completed a 10,000-word dissertation on the development of the Saumur-Champigny wine since 1990.

But despite his expert knowledge, Mr Hudson insists he does not have a favourite - and says that wine drinkers have never had it so good. "I honestly don't have one single favourite, it varies.

"In the middle of summer you might enjoy a German Riesling, whereas in the depths of winter it might be a Barossa Valley Shiraz.

"One of the reasons I'm involved now is that I like most wines - and there's more great wine being produced now by a greater variety of producers across the world than there probably ever has been."