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Following various part-time roles with the Wheeler family business since 1998, I joined the team full time in 2004, shortly after graduating with a degree in a the unrelated subject of Graphic Design. I worked my way to shop manager, before taking a more creative sales and marketing position, developing the internet and mail-order side of the company. I am now responsible for the day-to-day running of The Wine Company; a challenging and time-absorbing role to say the least, but one that’s a huge amount of fun.
I’m a big fan of sport – cricket and football in particular – as well as music, cooking, socialising and wine slots perfectly into any free time I do have. Like most of us, I enjoy so many aspect of this fabulous product, but I think the red wines of the Rhône Valley top the bill for me.
Obviously you wouldn’t think it from my ‘fresh-faced’ appearance, but I have now been with the company in its various guises for 20 years!
I joined straight from university, starting out as a lowly store and cellar hand, and have subsequently spent some time in virtually every part of the business – I can even drive the forklift! I joined the buying team in 2000, and now oversee all of our buying and sourcing – constantly looking for great new wines to add to our range.
I enjoy wines from all over the world, and particularly enjoy wines from Italy and Southern France, but if you pressed me I’d have to choose red burgundy as my desert-island wine. When it’s good – it’s absolute perfection.
When not in the office, I am generally operating a taxi service for one or both of my children or involved in some sort of DIY! If I ever get the chance, I like to get the art equipment out, and do a spot of painting.
Since joining the company in 2005 my role has developed from selling on the shop floor to the position of Private Sales Manager. Today I am responsible for keeping our customers informed about interesting wines that become available as well as keeping them up to date with all the various promotions we are running. I get many requests to source specific wines, perhaps from a favourite estate or to accompany a particular meal, and this has also become an important part of my role.
As to my favourite wines or regions, I seem to change my mind regularly, but looking through my wine rack at home I see a dominance of French and South African wines, so this seems to be where my greatest interest lies of late.
Outside of work I try to spend as much time as possible back on my parents farm, where I am actively involved in the management, and if there is sport to be watched or played I am always keen to get involved be it cricket, rugby, tennis, shooting, golf, skiing or anything that involves me getting some exercise.
I’m officially the ‘New Boy’ having joined the Wine Company as shop manager in February 2011.
You’ll usually find me on the shop floor putting out the latest wines, chatting with customers and looking for even the weakest of excuses to open a bottle to taste.
I’m often asked what my favourite wine is, and that’s a tricky question as I enjoy trying wines of all styles from all corners of the globe, I suppose if pressed I would say I have a soft spot for red Burgundy and Rioja, and a fascination with vintage ports.
Away from work I’m a self confessed classic car geek, and real ale enthusiast.
I am now in my fifth year at the Wine Company having been drawn to the role through my passion for Wine. I am fortunate to work with a great team of people with what seems to be a fathomless depth of knowledge for our treasured commodity, no question is either too simple or too complex to answer. I can honestly say that I learn something new every day. My role as Senior Wine Adviser gives me the privilege of meeting all our shop customers and providing guidance according to their tastes and requirements.
Of all the wines I have been lucky enough to taste, my favorite Whites are from Alsace and Reds from Piedmont and Valpolicella with a particular passion for Amarone styles.
I have 3 grown up children who I am proud to say have all graduated through University.
I joined the wine company as a wine advisor in September 2011. As part of the phone and online sales team my key role is to keep customers informed of our current promotions, and offer advice and assistance where needed. I love trying new wines wherever in the world they come from but if pushed for my favourite region it would have to be Burgundy.
Outside of work most of my life is spent with my young family but when I get a few spare minutes I try and run or play golf as much as possible.
After joining the company back in 1986 as a temporary Christmas helper, I worked my way up to working in the warehouse. In 1998 I became the cellar manager here at Gosbecks Road. My current role involves looking after the vast range of wines here in our cellars and despatching orders throughout the UK. You may sometimes see me out and about delivering in the local area in our green van!
Over the years I have seen many wines come and go, my favourites being fruity whites and rosés.
Away from work I am a Colchester United season ticket holder, I also enjoy listening to music and growing fruit and veg at home in the garden.