Running, Drinking Wine and Enjoying Life

This story originally appeared on the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can subscribe here.

Meet Mr. John Compton (@thewinerunner), who has been living in Umbria, Italy with his wife since 2019, and defines himself “semi-retired” after a 30-years career in retail, supply chain systems development & change management.

What are your main passions and how do you cultivate them?

I would say wine and running – hence the Instagram name! I enjoy winery visits, tastings in preferred wine merchants, and big events such as Vinitaly or Onlywine. I have joined a running club, I train at a gym, and sign up for local races.

How did you first develop an appreciation for style?

Even at university I was always looking for classic suits, shirts, ties and cravats in second hand shops (nowadays this would be called vintage I guess) and then when I started to work, a gent’s clothing shop in my local town introduced me to Italian brands such as Canali, Cerruti, Paul Smith and Poggianti, and there was no looking back!

What does “being well-dressed” mean to you?

Well dressed is all about being comfortable in your outfit because it is appropriate for the occasion, neither too smart nor too casual, and has a small amount of flair to show your personal style.

Where do you primarily draw your style inspiration from?

I don’t have one particular style inspiration, though I greatly admire the current looks of Jude Law, Stanley Tucci and Colin Firth. My wife always says that I decide on what character I am going to be when I get dressed in the morning, and that guides my style!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and who gave it to you?

After several rounds of restructuring, finding myself still employed and even promoted, a coach said to me ‘you might have to accept that you are quite good at what you do, so do more of it’. It stuck with me and has guided me to tackle any role with my own personal approach and skills, as that will usually get the best out of me and the job. And that is what others seem to appreciate.

What does your ideal Sunday look like?

I like to get up before everyone else, whether we have friends staying or not, to appreciate the sunrise and to come round gently. Taking 10 minutes for a morning coffee is a vital way to reset for the day ahead. Then, normally a run, 60-90 minutes unless I am training for a longer distance (or running a race that day). A relaxed lunch at a local restaurant with friends. In the evening, a light supper and a film, just me and my wife and a great bottle of wine. Perfect!

What’s the next destination on your bucket list?

This year my wife and I are going on safari in South Africa, followed by a relaxing beach stay in Mozambique. It’s been on our list ever since we didn’t go on safari for our honeymoon – finally we are doing it.

What’s a place that holds significant meaning for you, and why?

Venice is always magical, especially if you can visit out of season, and if you stay away from the main streets in the busy periods – as every part of the city is amazing.

What’s a brand that embodies your idea of quality?

I have shopped at Berry Bros. & Rudd since my university days. Whether you were buying En Primeur Claret to lay down, or a bottle of their humble (yet excellent) Good Ordinary Claret, their care, knowledge and gentle service has always been a complete pleasure. Over the years, many things have changed in the world of wine retail, however their dedication to quality has not.

What podcast are you currently listening to, and what do you enjoy about it?

I am addicted to political podcasts, so I overdose regularly on The Rest is Politics, Political Currency and the BBC’s Newscast

What’s the most unusual job you’ve ever had?

I did spend two days working for a company selling frozen fish at Billingsgate market when I had just left university. A huge mistake, based on an enormous misunderstanding of the role on offer. On the third day I called to say that I would not be back, and then I had to throw away all of my clothes and shoes as they stank! Still, at the end of the week, I went for a two week holiday in Italy, and discovered Umbria for the first time, and now I am living here, so every cloud, as they say, has a silver lining!

Who’s someone you admire, and why?

I admire Toto Wolff, Team Principal of Mercedes F1, and his approach to leading a team. He is a man of solid principles, calm and relaxed, driven to succeed by his own endeavour, not by putting down others. He empowers his teams, encourages their growth, and supports them when winning and losing. He works on his own development, and channelling the pressure into a positive energy.