Having completed his course in journalism at the University of Wisconsin he moved to San Diego, and through the influence of his father began to be interested in the world of wine.

[8][14][15][16] Following some public criticism to the apparent dispassionate manner of the Shanken announcement,[2][8] Suckling himself described the departure from the company as "totally amicable" and stated he would go on to "pursue other projects",[17] He later published on his own Twitter account that reports of his retirement had been "greatly exaggerated" and he was "planning an exciting future".

[18] The project, funded by art collector and philanthropist Nasser David Khalili, aimed at bringing Jewish, Muslim, and Christian faiths closer together, with proceeds going to the Maimonides Foundation, an interfaith charity.

The wine's label is based on a multi-faith celebratory painting commissioned by Khalili from the British artist Ben Johnson with the forthcoming Olympic Games in mind.

[19] The website JamesSuckling.com was launched in October 2010 and Suckling stated it would mainly focus on video content featuring "key wine figures around the world".

[18] In addition to Suckling's reviews, the site also features blogs by Mike D of the Beastie Boys, and Jessica Harnois, president of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers.

"[22] In June 2021, Suckling was knighted by France and received the Ordre National du Merite by the French Consulate in Hong Kong.

[23][24][25] He is an avid tennis player, passionate about environmental charities and actively supports EcoDrive Hong Kong and the Sea Sheppard Conservation Society.

[32][33] Suckling also featured in Jonathan Nossiter's 2004 film Mondovino, by some accounts in an unflattering light, as he was shown near a Pinocchio sign[34] and seeming to state he has awarded a wine 90 points because it was produced by his landlord, the winemaker Salvatore Ferragamo.