Local Wine Experts
Louise Steel
London & South East
Tell us about yourself?
I’m a seasoned traveller and am lucky enough to have visited many of the world’s leading wine-producing countries; my favourite being Italy. I have two west highland terriers. My little westies and I walk for miles 10,000 steps a day (always the target, but we mostly hit 5000 a day!) I’m a big countryside lover, and enjoy all things outdoors
How long worked in industry?
I’ve worked for the Crown Cellars team since July 2021 and have over 30 years’ experience in the wine trade. 7 years in Champagne was an experience, especially approaching the millennium… I did not go short to see in the year 2000!
What’s your favourite part of your job?
Tasting wines! Working with people that are just as passionate as I am about the greatest product on Earth. I love the leisure sector and the characters that work in the trade
What’s your favourite wine?
Mmm, tricky one! Taittinger Champagne, good white oaked burgundy and a drop of Valpolicella are all in the running for that title
Nick Adams
Granada, North Wales & West Midlands
Tell us about yourself?
As with most I am a huge fan of travel and I have been lucky enough to have been to some quite remarkable places whether that be sunk in the ocean and locked in cage meeting the Great White Sharks off the Western Cape or being deep in the cellars at Taittinger to the top of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The love for travel means that I enjoy driving, and I always enjoy travelling down roads that I have yet ventured. Although as time passes these are getting fewer and fewer.
How long have you worked in industry?
I think my first interaction with the industry was attending a wine expo in Belgium and assisting my Dad exhibiting there at the age of 15, however my time legally employed in the industry is now panning over two decades, and has seen my skill set develop through working alongside outstanding suppliers and supporting the UK on-trade. I have also been a director of a wine & spirits operation in the retail sector and consulted on opportunity and marketing strategies for UK producers.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
I love to see the end result where our customers and their customers alike love the offering available and develop their passion for the wine category. It’s great to see people venture into the category in greater depth and pursue new trends and I of course enjoy tasting and showcasing our portfolio!
What’s your favourite wine?
My favourites do change usually depending on season and the temperature outside, in the winter months then I think a South Eastern Aussie Shiraz is always a good pick. For the warmer weather I love a Chenin Blanc or an Albarino however it is important despite the UK’s obsession with straight varietals not to forget blends a great choice would be the Esk Valley Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Malbec blend from the Gimblett Gravels growing area in NZ.
Victoria Davis
East Midlands and Manchester South
Tell us about yourself?
I’m a Leeds lass who loves nothing better than taking Vini my Weimaraner dog for walks, when I’m not supporting Leeds United or going to gigs! I love exploring new place and trying different wines from home or abroad.
How long have you worked in industry?
Almost 28 years! I fell in love with wines from Burgundy & Loir Valley in France, then for personal reasons completed WSET Level 1 & followed up with Level 2 and am now qualified to teach Level 1 and am studying for Level 3!
What’s your favourite part of your job?
Helping support the development of customer businesses, by providing guidance around their wine offering
What’s your favourite wine?
Whites – Meursault from Burgundy & Reds – Cote Rotie from the Rhone
Ross Lees
Scotland and the North West of England
Tell us about yourself?
I’ve a real passion for the wine industry and learning new things about it. Outside of work I enjoy running, golf and being run ragged by my two kids!
How long have you worked in industry?
I’ve been in the drinks industry for over ten years starting as a General Pub Manager for Belhaven. I then moved to the other side of the bar and worked my way up to IFT Account Manager for Molson Coors – it was here that my interest in Wines began. After gaining my WSET qualifications at Bidvest Foodservice, the opportunity to join Crown Cellars came along & it was a dream come true and I haven’t looked back!
What’s your favourite part of your job?
I enjoy every aspect of my role – particularly spending time with customers and prospective customers which can be in various formats from presenting proposals to hosting Wine evenings, training to consulting on what wines to carry based on relevant data. The role is so changeable that no 2 days are the same and I love what I do!
What’s your favourite wine?
I love big full-bodied reds…..at the moment it’s Negroamoro!
Vanessa Roberts
South West and Wales, Central South, and the Cotswolds
Tell us about yourself?
When I don’t have a glass in my hand, I’m usual planning my next global trip, navigating a muddy field or falling over in it! I enjoy running in my spare time and my main hobbies are traveling, cooking and fitness.
How long have you worked in industry?
I’ve worked at Carlsberg UK for 14 years, with 12 years’ experience selling Carlsberg /Crown Cellars wines. Before that I worked for 7 years, for one of the UK’s leading cider brands. I’ve worked in the Off Trade and On Trade side of the business, both in Wholesale, National Accounts and Free Trade.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
I enjoy travelling around meeting different customers and working alongside the different sales managers. Every day is different and I enjoy all the different varieties each day brings from tastings, to teaching WSET and creating wine lists.
What’s your favourite wine?
Taittinger Nocturne
Jacob Ratcliffe
North of England
Tell us about yourself?
When not indulging my passion for all things drink-related, I can be found travelling the country, watching my beloved Nottingham Forest most weekends, or in some far-flung part of the world, watching England play cricket; a glutton for punishment some might say!
How long have you worked in industry?
I’ve worked within the wine industry for over 10 years ago, starting my career working for a wine merchant in New Zealand, when I moved to the UK 7 years ago I joined the Crown Cellars team & have not looked back!
What’s your favourite part of your job?
The most enjoyable part of the job, is working with customers to develop their wine offering and introducing them to new wines and spirits from smaller, lesser known producers.
What’s your favourite wine?
I developed my love of Pinot Noir, when I worked in New Zealand, which continues to this day!
Dougal Kenny
National On Trade
Tell us about yourself?
I’m a seasoned traveller and am lucky enough to have visited many of the world’s leading wine-producing countries but my main hobby is songwriting and recording my own tunes.
How long worked in industry?
I’ve worked for the Crown Cellars team since 2008 and have 17 years’ experience in the wine trade.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
Working with people that are just as passionate as I am about the greatest product on Earth!
What’s your favourite wine?
Mmm, tricky one! Taittinger Comtes de Champagne if you’re offering, but you also can’t beat a good quality Southern Italian red, like the Vitti Negroamaro from our Crown Cellars range.
