The Team
Say hello to a bunch of misfits and trouble makers.
A dyslexic ginger kid. A guy living off-grid in Africa. A budding sommelier and an ex-tube driver. This bunch of misfits don't conform to the usual convention for a wine business. It shouldn't work, but that is precisely why it does.
Neil Walker
Founder, CEO and Chief Trouble Maker
Neil, a self-styled dyslexic Ginger kid, started 'The English Vine' after quitting his high-flying banking job and jumping off a bridge in New Zealand (a bungee jump that is). When Neil’s not causing trouble at work or pursuing his quest to create zero-waste wine, he’s planning on climbing Mount Blanc, just so he can have a bottle of English sparkling wine at the top. Oh and he’s got a fancy wine degree too.
Neil, a self-styled dyslexic Ginger kid, started 'The English Vine' after quitting his high-flying banking job and jumping off a bridge in New Zealand (a bungee jump that is). When Neil’s not causing trouble at work or pursuing his quest to create zero-waste wine, he’s planning on climbing Mount Blanc, just so he can have a bottle of English sparkling wine at the top. Oh and he’s got a fancy wine degree too.
Chris Bagnall
Chief Marketing Guy
Chris loves a bit of disruption. He’s spent the past 7 years working in Africa disrupting the energy access industry building a company that provides rural communities with solar power. Now he’s here with a thirst (to disrupt the wine industry). No longer should people be left to judge a wine by it's label or trying to decipher unintelligible tasting notes. It is about time that changed and he's here to do just that.
Chris loves a bit of disruption. He’s spent the past 7 years working in Africa disrupting the energy access industry building a company that provides rural communities with solar power. Now he’s here with a thirst (to disrupt the wine industry). No longer should people be left to judge a wine by it's label or trying to decipher unintelligible tasting notes. It is about time that changed and he's here to do just that.
Paul Barnard
SOS Manager
Paul is our 'Stock, Operations and Smiles' Manager. An ex-tube driver who has seen the light at the end of the tunnel (sorry Paul, this never gets old). Paul most recently returned from living in Vietnam where he became addicted to Beef Pho and riding his scooter through the crazy streets of Hanoi. A passion for running and Dad jokes, he’s got a keen eye for detail thanks to previous operational roles at Topps Tiles and PetSmart. Most importantly, he’s equally passionate about putting the customer first in everything he does (even when telling bad jokes).
Paul is our 'Stock, Operations and Smiles' Manager. An ex-tube driver who has seen the light at the end of the tunnel (sorry Paul, this never gets old). Paul most recently returned from living in Vietnam where he became addicted to Beef Pho and riding his scooter through the crazy streets of Hanoi. A passion for running and Dad jokes, he’s got a keen eye for detail thanks to previous operational roles at Topps Tiles and PetSmart. Most importantly, he’s equally passionate about putting the customer first in everything he does (even when telling bad jokes).
Elizabeth Mellish
Wine Hunter
Lizzie is our Wine Hunter. She’s on a mission to hunt down the best wines from across the country and she won’t stop there as she travels across the globe to find those hidden gems and unsung heroes that you just have to try. Before joining us, Lizzie worked in hospitality to fund amazing travels across the world. She has been chased through a Borneo jungle by elephants, swam with sharks, bitten by a tarantula and jumped out of a plane. Her love for wine began at a young age and she has pursued her passion ever since, working as a Sommelier in 5-Star hotels across the world and now here (not as glamorous but much more fun…). Oh and she has got a fancy wine degree like the boss.
Lizzie is our Wine Hunter. She’s on a mission to hunt down the best wines from across the country and she won’t stop there as she travels across the globe to find those hidden gems and unsung heroes that you just have to try. Before joining us, Lizzie worked in hospitality to fund amazing travels across the world. She has been chased through a Borneo jungle by elephants, swam with sharks, bitten by a tarantula and jumped out of a plane. Her love for wine began at a young age and she has pursued her passion ever since, working as a Sommelier in 5-Star hotels across the world and now here (not as glamorous but much more fun…). Oh and she has got a fancy wine degree like the boss.
