Regions
The networking heart of WineGB, these independent bodies are affiliated to WineGB and provide local education, marketing and connection
Our seven associations are the networking heart of WineGB. Each offer a unique combination of activities as needed for their members, choosing from a range of activities including: local knowledge share with WhatsApp messages for local conditions, face-to-face training, regional competitions and research. To join as a member of WineGB requires membership of your geographical region – you can also chose to pay and apply for additional regional memberships.
Find your region
Andy Mounsey
Welsh Vineyards Association
We organise the annual Welsh Wine Awards which are a growing and successful event held at Llanerch Vineyard Hotel. There is a dedicated WVA website with members listed and a map showing their location. We hold regular meetings and attend events, shows, vineyard management and winemaking training and study tours in conjunction with the Welsh Drinks Cluster.
Background
Andy has a degree in Agriculture from Edinburgh University. The first part of his career was in agricultural journalism, publishing specialist magazines for the agricultural supply trade. Together with his family, Andy planted a vineyard in Pembrokeshire in 2017 and this has been his passion ever since. In early 2025, they sold their publishing interests to allow them to focus entirely on the vineyard and now have plans to establish a winery on site.
further reading
Fergus Elias
South East
• WineGB South East exists to support the commercial and practical needs of producers in the region, home to over 50% of England’s planted vineyard area.
• Recent activity includes securing funding to subsidise training, technical development, and professional services for producers — with a focus on improving wine quality, sustainability, and business resilience.
• The region has also led the development of practical resources for winemakers and viticulturists, built stronger partnerships with research bodies, and launched a new calendar of regional events to promote knowledge-sharing.
Background
Fergus Elias is the Director of Wine at Balfour Winery, one of England’s most prominent producers of still and sparkling wines. He holds an MSc in Viticulture and Oenology from Plumpton College and a BA in Ancient History from the University of Liverpool. Since joining Balfour in 2014, he has progressed through various roles to lead winemaking, production, and vineyard strategy across multiple sites.
In addition to his commercial role, Fergus chairs WineGB South East and the Sustainable Winemaking Committee. His focus is on building a more connected, commercially viable, and environmentally resilient English wine industry, through practical support, clear communication, and strategic collaboration.
further reading
Guillaume Lagger
Wessex
By joining Wessex you get to enjoy:
- Networking
- Networking through waffle and walks
- Training – technical groups
- Knowledge share – WhatsApp
- Regional WineGB Awards
- Regional Tastings
- Regional map
Background
Oenologist from Changins (Switzerland), Assistant winemaker at Chateau Du Crest (Geneva), Winemaker at B58 wines, Owner and winemaker at The Wharie Experience.
further reading
Lexa Hunt and David Bailey
West
WineGB West work together in a collaborative environment, with good discussion, knowledge share and support for all Members, Vineyards and Wine Makers.
- Knowledge share, inc. dissemination of information from WineGB Working Groups – WhatsApp and Email
- Networking – waffle and walks
- Learning Opportunities – training/courses
- Competition: Regional WineGB Awards
- Web Site with Vineyard Listing and Regional Map
- Wine Tourism : Regional/County Events and Tastings
Background
Lexa Hunt, Owner, Wraxall Vineyard, Consultant & Business Coach
Lexa splits her time between Wraxall Vineyard in Somerset where she offers a guiding hand to the Hospitality side of the business, whilst managing the business operations; and working in London and remotely with her Clients as a Consultant and Business Coach.
With a background in Financial Services as a COO in Investment Banking, after 30 years it was time move on wards. Lexa completed the Meyler Campbell Mastered Coaching Programme to complement her Consulting business.
Passionate about food, wine, skiing and travelling. Any free time is spent with family and friends and our two Boarder Terriers.
David Bailey, Chair and Owner Wraxall Vineyard and Retired!
David retired to Somerset to enjoy renovating an old Farmhouse and developing the gardens. Wraxall Vineyard was next door and, always up for a challenge and a project, took the crazy decision in 2021 to build another business.
In addition to overseeing the vineyard David has overseen the building of a Tasting and Restaurant facility and new cottages – with Shepherds Huts now being added. 10,000 visitors are anticipated in 2025 (600 in 2021) with accommodation for 20.
With a background in Financial Services, in 2002, David and three colleagues built Augentius, a Private Equity Fund Administration Business. Started with 7 people the business was sold in 2018 with a staff of 750 employee’s around the world. He has a Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA).
Walking, travelling and Skiing are David’s biggest passions, as well as planning the next project!
further reading
Ian Beecher-Jones
Thames & Chilterns Vineyard Association
The region has held local meetings for vineyard owners to discuss subjects from sheep in vineyards to frost management. Creating an opportunity for owners and staff to chat, to share ideas and thoughts is very important for our small but growing region. Updating our regional map and developing a regional information sheet for members to distribute at shows and events is an important initiative for us to help promote the region. By joining Thames & Chiltern you get to enjoy:
- Networking
- Networking – waffle and walks
- Knowledge share
- Knowledge share – WhatsApp
- Regional map – currently in development
Background
New to the wine industry only planting JoJo’s in 2019. Ian brings precision agriculture knowledge and experience to the industry, and shows how to implement and utilise precision technology in a practical way to improve the quality of grapes produced in the vineyard to make the best quality of wine we can.
Before entering the world of precision agriculture and viticulture he was the Director General of BAGMA the UK trade association for farm machinery dealers in the UK for 12 years. He joined after leaving his family farm in Worcestershire which his brother now runs very successfully.
further reading
Ian Sargent
Midlands & North
The association provides support and advice for winemakers, vineyards and viticulturists throughout the entirety of the Midlands & North region, from the Scottish and Welsh borders to the North and West, over to Nottinghamshire and Northamptonshire in the East and South.
We meet generally in March and November (held throughout the region), with opportunities to meet other members, network and share knowledge, and vote at the AGM. We work to support one another and of course, to enjoy the distinctive experience of wines grown across the region.
We host our own regional annual Wine Competition in the summer, as well as organising training courses, educational opportunities, tourism support as well WhatsApp groups for instant sharing of knowledge.
Background
Ian Sargent with his wife Ann planted Laurel Vines in the East Riding of Yorkshire in 2011. Ian has a passion for learning, sustainability and technology which he uses in the vineyard, winery and other business interests. He strives to promote and develop the Midlands and North region and the fantastic variety of vineyards it contains. Now working with other regions and stakeholders to further develop the UK vine growing and winemaking.
further reading
Nick Watson
EAst
The advantages of membership include access to knowledge from all the vineyards in the region. We collectively support one another to cultivate superior grapes, create exceptional wines, and maximize market value. Each county in the region has a designated Captain who maintains communication regarding developments at the county, regional, and national levels. Additionally, there is a crucial resource in the tourism sector that plays a significant role in promoting our wines and vineyards. Regular agronomy updates during the season are distributed to assist in vineyard decision-making. This network ensures that members in the region remain connected, preventing anyone from feeling isolated when challenges arise.
- Networking – waffle and walks
- Training – technical groups
- Knowledge share – Webinars
- Knowledge share – WhatsApp
- Regional WineGB Awards
- Regional Tastings
- Regional map
background
One or two paragraphs outlining career – flag education, companies and relevant role
Nick earned a degree in biology and pursued a career in agricultural and horticultural research. After working at two of the largest agricultural chemical companies, he joined Niab, the leading crop science organization in the UK, 15 years ago. Currently, he serves as one of the Directors, overseeing commercial services that encompass field and glasshouse trials, fruit breeding, viticulture, and oenology.
Twelve years ago, Nick established his own vineyard and is now preparing to celebrate his tenth vintage this year. He holds the BASIS qualification and oversees all facets of vineyard management. Nick is dedicated to assisting both new and established vineyards, helping them avoid the mistakes he once made. Recently, in his pursuit of further knowledge in the wine industry, Nick achieved a merit at WSET Level 3.
further reading
