Huyshe Bower of Fladgate Partnership dies

A family member and former board director of Port producer The Fladgate Partnership, Maurice Huyshe Bower, has died aged 82.

Bower, a cousin of Richard and Stanley Yeatman, joined the family business as part of the blending team in 1959 after service in the 4^th/7^th Royal Dragoon Guards.

He moved on from the blending to managing the vineyard and winemaking aspect of the business and was made a partner in what was then Taylor Fladgate & Yeatman in 1961.

He turned his hand to sales and marketing and established a European and then worldwide distribution network for Taylor’s Port and Fonseca.

Described by the company as charming, cultured, charismatic and with an excellent palate and understanding of fine wine, “he will be remembered with great affection by all who worked with him, by his trade colleagues and by the many people to whom he communicated his enthusiasm for Port over his long career.”

Huyshe died on 16 January after a long illness. He is survived by three sons, one of whom, Robert, also works in the wine industry.

A memorial service will be held in Porto at St James Curch, Largo de Maternidade de Júlio Dinis on Saturday 4 April.