Although John Hoskins MW was born into a family of hoteliers, he initially had no intention of joining his relations, instead choosing to study English literature. However, wine drew him into the family business, and in 1994 he became the first person in the restaurant industry to become a Master of Wine.

In the same year, he formed his own business, buying the hotel-restaurant The Old Bridge in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, which now includes an on-site wine shop, Old Bridge Wine. He is also the Chairman of the Master of Wine examination.