Local Wine Experts
Will Riley
Anglia
A bit about Will
London born and bred, Will has spent over 2 decades in the hospitality and drinks trade, building relationships and sharing his passion for great wine, spirits, food and memorable experiences. From leading busy restaurants in London and New York to developing customer partnerships in the premium drinks sector. These days, his focus is on helping venues make the most of our portfolio while creating experiences their guests will remember. Outside of work, he loves cooking, discovering new wines, and keeping up with tastings and industry trends, and when he find a bit of quiet time, he enjoys listening to and playing Jazz piano and Trumpet, or brushing up on his French, usually with a good glass of something nearby.
Will’s personal wine recommendation
Balfour Hush Heath Estate Skye’s Chardonnay
I’ve got a real soft spot for the Balfour Skyes Chardonnay. It’s got that lovely balance of crisp orchard fruit, a touch of citrus, and just the right hint of oak to give it depth without losing its freshness. It really shows how far English still wines have come, and as someone who’s passionate about supporting the UK wine industry, I can’t help but feel proud every time I pour a glass.
Ashley Hall
London and the South East
A bit about Ash
Ash has worked in hospitality for over 25 years. He loves visiting the world’s beautiful wine regions like Champagne, South-East Australia, Canada, Sicily and Piedmont, and he has just got back from a trip to Argentina. His favourite part of the job is meeting winemakers as they have so much passion for what they do, and also hosting tastings for our customers!
Ash’s personal wine recommendation
Bougrier Pure Vallée Pinot Noir
This is such an easy drinking red packed full of juicy red fruit, a real hidden gem within the Crown Cellars portfolio and incredible value for money.
Nick Adams
Granada, North Wales & West Midlands
A bit about Nick
Nick started off as a licensee and has been working in the On Trade for over 20 years. Our very own Jonathan Pedley MW tutored Nick through his WSET qualifications many years ago! He loves travel, his favourite wine destination being South Africa’s Western Cape. His favourite part of the job is watching customers and consumers develop a passion for the category over time.
Nick’s personal wine recommendation
Inviniti New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
This wine just has it all – the signature herbaceousness, citrus and gooseberry notes of a great NZ Sauvignon plus intense passionfruit flavours. It’s also certified 100% sustainable and produced at a net carbon-zero winery.
Victoria Davis
East Midlands and Manchester South
A bit about Vic
Vic is Leeds born and bred and is a Leeds United season ticket holder. She loves nothing better than taking her 2 Spanish rescue dogs, Hunter & Frida, for long walks, travelling far and wide and going to gigs. She’s been in the wine trade for over 30 years and first fell in love with the wines of Burgundy and the Loire.
Vic’s personal wine recommendation
Rag & Bone Riesling, Magpie Estate, Eden Valley
This is a perfect example of an Eden Valley Riesling, packed full of lime zest with an appealing zing and acidity, fantastic with the chilli, coconut, ginger and lime flavours in a chicken Laksa. The label is also really interesting showing an eclectic collection of discarded items.
Ross Lees
Scotland and the North West of England
A bit about Ross
Ross has been in the On Trade for 23 years and is one of our WSET accredited trainers. Outside of work he enjoys running, golf and being run ragged by his two kids. His favourite part of the job is helping to teach and grow teams, whether customers or colleagues.
Ross’s personal wine recommendation
Primitivo di Manduria ‘Vitti’, Cantine San Marzano
This is a bold, complex and intense full-bodied red with dark forest fruits, spice and notes of liquorice…what’s not to love! Perfect with game, red meat and stilton.
Vanessa Roberts
South West and Wales, Central South, and the Cotswolds
A bit about Vanessa
When she’s not holding a wine glass, you’ll find Vanessa plotting her next global escapade or enjoying the outdoors with her dog Coco. Her favourite part of the job has got to be the travel! She has explored some of the world’s most beautiful wine regions, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the sun-soaked Napa Valley, and she loves connecting with different people, sharing her passion for wine.
Vanessa’s personal wine recommendation
Andean Vineyards Malbec
This Malbec is beautifully smooth and elegant, I think the flavours are really rich and well balanced. It hits all the right notes whether you’re pairing it with a special meal or binge watching your favourite series!
Jacob Ratcliffe
North of England
A bit about Jacob
Jacob has been in the wine industry for 20 years, starting out with a wine merchant in New Zealand. Aside from his passion for all things drinks-related, he loves travelling the country watching his beloved Nottingham Forest, or further afield watching the England cricket team play. His favourite part of the job is introducing people to new wines and spirits they might not otherwise have discovered.
Jacob’s personal wine recommendation
Saperavi, Schuchmann
This always adds some intrigue to a wine list. It’s made from the Teinturier grape so for most people it’s a bit unusual but a fabulous find, full-bodied with spicy blueberry, plum and blackcurrant fruit.
Dougal Kenny
National On Trade
A bit about Dougal
Dougal is our resident musician – his main hobby is song writing and recording his own tunes, as well as doing a bit of travelling. He has over 20 years’ experience in the wine trade, and his favourite part of the job is working alongside great people – he loves collaborating with customers to help them grow their business.
Dougal’s personal wine recommendation
Robert Oatley Signature Series Pinot Noir
This is a truly delightful Yarra Valley Pinot Noir, really generous with the aromas and beautifully balanced on the palate with red stone fruits, soft supple tannins and fresh acidity. I think it will turn any Pinot Noir haters into lovers.
