Meet Carol

My Life
So Far In Caviar

"I am sharing something I love with people who deserve to enjoy it properly."

Portrait of Carol
Carol O'Grady — Founder
Her Story

How It Began

I'm Carol — born and raised in South Africa, proudly Swiss at heart, and forever passionate about the finer things in life. I grew up in a family where food and perfection were not just values, they were a way of life. That love for quality and flavour runs deep.

My first taste of real caviar was in the late 1990s, during its luxurious resurgence. One generous dollop, and I was hooked. The experience was unforgettable — rich, indulgent, and so elegantly complex. I knew then: this was a taste to aspire to.

The Legacy

I never imagined I'd one day be immersed in the world of caviar professionally. But fate had other plans. Eight years ago, while managing an event that required the addition of caviar, I was handed a makeshift cooler bag by an elderly gentleman. Inside, a tin of exquisite caviar chilled by a frozen milk bottle. As he turned to leave, he casually told me it would be his last delivery after over 40 years in the business. He was retiring.

Tasting that caviar that evening transported me straight back to that feeling of opulence and aspiration. I couldn't let that legacy disappear.

What followed was months of conversation, learning, and planning. Eventually, we struck a deal, and in 2022, Queen of Caviar was born — built on tradition, taste, and the promise of excellence.

The World of Caviar

Caviar is more than a delicacy, it's a story. I'm endlessly fascinated by the craftsmanship, the variety of sturgeon species, the sourcing, the people, and the incredible history of this prized delicacy. The caviar world has forever been opulent, exclusive, even cut-throat and always captivating.

My mission is to make that world accessible, elegant, and meaningful.

Tastings, Pairings & Giving Back

In addition to curating and delivering exceptional caviar, I now host caviar tasting soirées across London, often paired with British sparkling wines, Vodka and Japanese sake — a surprisingly perfect match.

These moments are luxurious, yes, but also lasting, memorable, and meant to be shared. And because I believe in balance, indulgence should also be grounded in generosity. That's why a percentage of all profits supports charities close to my heart in South Africa.

Brands That Inspire

I admire houses that understand longevity, craft and quiet excellence. Dom Pérignon for its unhurried perfection. Cartier for its ability to feel both timeless and alive. Loro Piana for its devotion to material and touch. These are the standards I hold myself to.

Carol at a caviar eventCaviar display at a grand venue
Three Defining Moments

What Matters Most

The moments that tell you a business is built on something real.

Moment

The Referral

When a customer refers you to a friend, it means they trust not just the product, but the entire experience. It is the highest compliment I receive.

Moment

The Harvest Tasting

Tasting caviar immediately after it was harvested. It is a privilege very few outside the production room ever experience and it deepened my respect for the craft immeasurably.

Moment

The Repeat Tasting

Being called back to host the same tasting experience again, because guests loved it so much they wanted to relive it. That is when you know it worked.

Her Favourites

Carol's Three

The caviar servings she returns to, again and again. And the reasons why.

Caviar #1

A straight-up Caviar Bump

Served off the back of the hand and enjoyed in one mouthful. This is the way the 'Caviar Masters' taste caviar before grading it. Pure and unadulterated.

Caviar #2

Caviar Bump → Chilled Vodka Sip → Pause → Repeat

Start with a mound of caviar. Your taste buds should register the salinity, the texture, the brininess. Push it up against the palate and take it all in. The vodka is a reset rather than an accompaniment: a small chilled shot after a bite cleanses the palate, cuts through the richness, and preps you for the next taste. And so the rhythm begins.

Caviar #3

Hot New Potatoes, Sour Cream & Caviar

No better combination on a cold winter's evening — the perfect amalgamation of luxury.

The Caviar

Why This Producer — Cru Caviar

Over 40 years ago, three friends founded a small caviar venture on the banks of the Caspian Sea. As demand grew and wild sturgeon became endangered, the operation was relocated to Northern Italy, to pristine spring water near Lake Garda, using the very same species native to the Caspian Sea. Twelve years later, the first harvest of black pearls emerged.

Today the farm is tended with the utmost care and precision, with three generations of aquaculture knowledge behind it. Every step — rearing, harvesting, sorting, packing — is all done by hand. Knowing every single fish, they are raised with respect for their individual natural rhythms in clear, unspoiled waters, which means preserving their welfare and turning time into quality. It is from this perfect balance between nature, sustainability and know-how that an authentic, rare and precious caviar is born.

Like salmon, sturgeon are born in freshwater, journey to the sea, and return to freshwater to spawn — a cycle our farming partners carefully protect. These dedicated farmers are not only preserving the species, but also helping to replenish wild populations by releasing sturgeon back into their native waters. By choosing farmed caviar of this calibre, you are supporting the survival of these remarkable creatures while enjoying one of life's rarest luxuries.

"After personally visiting the farm and witnessing the process first-hand, I can say with confidence: this is caviar of truly impeccable quality." — Carol

In The Room
Caviar pearlsPrivate tastingCarol hostingCaviar displayCarol at an event
Begin Your Caviar Journey

Let's Talk Caviar

For all things caviar, from your first tasting to your next extraordinary event, I'm here to help you experience something truly unforgettable.