Working groups
Bring their specialist knowledge and expertise to ensure that members have the best information to drive their businesses
Working groups
The specialist Working Groups provide their expertise to strengthen the industry. From planting to sales our members are covered through the groups who come together to share their experiences.
Specialist Groups
Viticulture
Wine Technical
Production / Operational Compliance
Education & Training
Growth Council
Sales & Marketing
Wine Tourism
Export
Sustainability Council
Sustainable People
Sustainable Winemaking
Sustainable Viticulture
The Councils in Bold incorporate the Chair’s of the bodies that appear below them in the list. The Councils work with the Executive Team to coordinate the delivery of the strategies for the overall areas.
Alessandra (Alex) Valsecchi
Sustainable Viticulture Working Group
- Supporting members in identifying more sustainable viticulture practices. And helping members with data collection, fundamental to highlight KPI for a more sustainable industry.
- Helped with the creation and implementation of the SWGB Data Hub and the Carbon Calculator.
Background
After taking a doctorate in Agriculture, specialising in Fruticulture and Viticulture at university of Milan, 30 year ago, she came to UK. She worked at RHS Wisley Garden, responsible for the fruit and vines collection and planted a demo vineyard for the RHS. Alex is a member of the RHS Fruit Vegetables and Herbs committee. She worked on vineyards in Italy whilst at university and latterly in New Zealand, during her career at Wisley. Alex then join Albury Vineyard in 2009 as contractor vineyard manager, maintaining her self-employed status, which allows her to consult in viticulture and fruit growing for others
Sustainable Viticulture – further reading
Brad Greatrix
Wine Technical Working Group
The Wine Technical Committee provides technical advice and guidance for wine producers to support and enhance the growing reputation for quality held by the wines of Great Britain. Members are encouraged to get in touch with the Technical Committee with any questions or topics they would like to be discussed. There is also a provision to contact the committee anonymously, via the Wine GB office, for matters that are sensitive, commercially or otherwise.
Background
Since joining Nyetimber in 2007, Brad Greatrix, Senior Winemaker, has played an integral role in elevating its reputation as a world-class English sparkling wine. Working alongside his wife, Cherie Spriggs, Head Winemaker, and sharing the vision of Eric Heerema, Owner and Chief Executive of Nyetimber, Brad has committed to their shared belief in the potential of Nyetimber to rival the very best in the world. He applies his meticulous approach and unwavering commitment to quality at every step of the winemaking process, from vineyard to bottling, and throughout the brand.
Brad’s well-rounded background in winemaking – including an undergraduate degree in biochemistry at Queen’s University, a master’s degree in wine research from The University of British Columbia, and a postgraduate diploma in oenology from the University of Adelaide – provided a strong foundation. Prior to joining Nyetimber in early 2007, Brad had honed his craft in renowned winemaking regions around the world, including Oregon (USA), McLaren Vale and Hunter Valley (Australia), Central Otago (New Zealand), and Margaux (France).
At Nyetimber, Brad’s careful oversight encompasses the entire winemaking process, from the reception of the grapes at the Pressing Centre to the expedition of the bottled wine. He has been instrumental in everything from sourcing new vineyard sites (all Nyetimber wines are 100% Estate-grown) and expanding production to developing new wines. These include introducing England’s first prestige cuvées, a single-vineyard wine named Tillington, and the addition of Rosé and Demi-Sec to the Nyetimber portfolio. All winemaking decisions are based on flavour and are a collaboration between Cherie and Brad, with inspiration from Eric – nothing is automated or delegated – the small, close-knit team takes pride in the quality of the wines.Brad also remains instrumental in ensuring that Nyetimber continues to innovate with cutting-edge practices in the production of sparkling wine. Together with Eric’s vision and Cherie’s expertise, their combined focus, skill, and pioneering approach to winemaking have led Nyetimber to stand proudly alongside the finest sparkling wines in the world.
Wine Technicals – further reading
Chris Unger
Export Council
To provide a pathway and platform for WineGB membership to enter export markets and maximise commercial outcomes through category wide activations. This is achieved by working collaboratively with both domestic and in market government agencies, and the associated funding vehicles.
We are currently focusing on the activation of the 2025 plan and associated in market events as well as starting planning for 2026 events.
Background
Australian born Chris Unger is based in London, and is Sales and Marketing Director for Hampshire based Hattingley Valley Wines, where he is responsible for the development and execution of the sales and marketing strategy. He is also Chair of the Wines of Great Britain Export Council. Prior to joining Hattingley Valley Wines in 2021, Chris was selling and marketing some of the best known and respected Australian wines throughout the UK and Europe. Ahead of his move to the UK in 2005, Chris was based in Western Australia working as a viticulturist and assistant winemaker for a variety of wineries and vineyards. He has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Viticulture, a Diploma of Wine and Spirits (WSET) and an MBA.
Export – further reading
Gary Smith
Sales & Marketing Working Group
To promote the awareness, visibility and distribution of English and Welsh Wine.
Completed Projects:
- The WineGB rebrand
- The English Wine Week campaign and activation kit
Projects Underway:
- WineGB marketing calendar
Background
With a successful career in the FMCG, Pharmaceutical and Avionics sectors, Gary took over as CEO for MDCV UK in 2019 where he has rapidly evolved the business to become the largest producer of Sparkling wine in England, with a production capacity of 4-5 million bottles by 2030. With a passion and drive for sustainability, Gary has ensured that this is a core pillar of the business evolution and is ingrained in day-to-day practise across all of the UK estates under his leadership.
Sales & Marketing – further reading
Janne Hallinan
Wine Tourism Working Group
Wine tourism is a significant and growing part of running a successful business for vineyards and wineries across Britain. With almost 80% of our members ranking wine tourism as “very” or “extremely” important to their business contributing from 30% to 60% of total income, from the largest to the smallest producers (2023 survey).
With representatives from across the country, of all sizes, the aim of the Wine Tourism Working Group is to aid members as they develop their wine tourism offering and to help them maximise the income potential of wine tourism.
Current core activities to date include:
- Completion of ‘Taking England’s Wine Tourism to the World’ training across the country, provided by the Visit England Academy. This is now being developed as an online course.
- A Tourism Ecosystem map has been developed as a key tool to increase member’s understanding of the elements of successful wine tourism and to guide the group in developing a library of assets for members (posts, case studies, webinars, podcasts and courses).
background
With a successful career in the broadcasting and technology sectors, Janne founded How2EnjoyWine and obtained the WSET Diploma in Wine. She is a wine educator, developing bespoke courses on English Wines, new wine regions, sustainability, and the impact of climate change on the wine industry She is an international wine judge with a successful YouTube channel @how2enjoywine. She is a committee member of WineGB East, focusing on developing wine tourism in the east of England. Having travelled extensively she has experienced the different approaches to wine tourism and seen how wine tourism can evolve.
Wine Tourism – further reading
Jeremy Kerswell
Education & Training Working Group
- To understand the training and development needs of the wine industry, now and in the coming five years. In doing so, to recognise the importance of training needs for wine business/sales/tourism.
- To respond to identified training needs through the development of new CPD/education programmes.
- To raise the profile and awareness of careers in the UK wine industry.
- To work in partnership with other stakeholders and organisations to best achieve points (i) – (iii).
Background
Jeremy, originally from a rural background in West Sussex, pursued Animal Science at Reading University. After brief stints in the animal and agricultural industries, he decided to merge his passion for the natural environment with education. His career in education began at various land-based colleges across the Southeast, leading to his appointment as head of Cannington College in 2008, which had become part of Bridgwater College. Known for his leadership, Jeremy significantly contributed to Cannington’s growth and success. After 18 years in the FE and HE sector, he became Principal of Plumpton College in October 2015. Plumpton, with the largest college estate in the country, attracts students from across the Southeast for a range of land-based courses, from entry to master’s level, emphasising sustainability and land management.
Jeremy has been on the Board of Landex for over seven years and chaired FE Sussex for the past three and a half years. He also leads WineGB’s national training and education group. As Principal at Plumpton, he has overseen transformational changes, making the college a leading provider nationally and earning the prestigious Queens Award in 2023. Under his leadership, the college has nearly doubled in size, attracting more students and enabling a significant £25m+ investment in cutting-edge facilities over the past five years. With 28 years in the sector, Jeremy is proud to lead Plumpton into its centenary year and is excited to chair Landex, working with education providers across the UK at a crucial time for the sectors they support.
Education & Training – further reading
Matt Strugnell
Viticulture Working Group
The VWG represents the interest of grape growers in the UK. It assists WineGB with lobbying activities, informs on opportunities or threats to grape growing in Great Britain and promotes responsible, compliant and sustainable grape growing.
Our group consists of vineyard managers, owners, agronomists, consultants, service providers and our contact at HCP.
Current and ongoing
Members of Horticultural Crop Protection – Plant Protection registrations
Actively engaged with APHA regarding quarantine pests and vine imports.
Publication of The Green Book
Annual Pruning Competition
Work in Progress
Pest, disease and PPP database
Information factsheets and webinars
Background
Involved in viticulture for 25 years, 23 of those at Ridgeview Wine Estate in Sussex. Trained at Plumpton College.
Viticulture – further reading
Tom Perks
Production & operations Working group
Mission – The Production & Operations Working Group is formed to foster collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement in all areas of production. We aim to share best practises, solve complex challenges, promote sustainability, encourage training and education in engineering and operations adopting good manufacturing practice from tank to consumption delivering high-quality outputs for all members of Wine GB irrespective of size or scope.
Key Activities – Identifying collaboration opportunities to address skills gaps and share best practices, leveraging collective expertise to support technical & equipment issues with a focus on sustainability in supply chain and procurement.
Background
Tom is Production Executive at Simpsons Wine Estate, working closely with both the Winemaking team and Sales & Marketing team.
After studying Business Management and an early post-University career in hospitality & sales he now focuses on procurement of dry goods as well as scheduling of bottling interventions & outbound logistics to satisfy demand in UK & export markets.
Production & operations – further reading
SPECIALIST GROUPS
Viticulture
The VWG represents the interest of grape growers in the UK. It assists WineGB with lobbying activities, informs on opportunities or threats to grape growing in Great Britain and promotes responsible, compliant and sustainable grape growing.
Our group consists of vineyard managers, owners, agronomists, consultants, service providers and our contact at the Horticultural Crop Protection Group.
Current & ongoing
Members of Horticultural Crop Protection – Plant Protection registrations
Actively engaged with APHA regarding quarantine pests and vine imports.
Publication of The Green Book
Annual Pruning Competition
Work in Progress
Pest, disease and PPP database
Information factsheets and webinar
Wine Technical
The Wine Technical Committee provides technical advice and guidance for wine producers to support and enhance the growing reputation for quality held by the wines of Great Britain. Members are encouraged to get in touch with the Technical Committee with any questions or topics they would like to be discussed. There is also a provision to contact the committee anonymously, via the Wine GB office, for matters that are sensitive, commercially or otherwise.
Production & operational compliance
Mission – The Production & Operations Working Group is formed to foster collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement in all areas of production. We aim to share best practises, solve complex challenges, promote sustainability, encourage training and education in engineering and operations adopting good manufacturing practice from tank to consumption delivering high-quality outputs for all members of Wine GB irrespective of size or scope.
Key Activities – Identifying collaboration opportunities to address skills gaps and share best practices, leveraging collective expertise to support technical & equipment issues with a focus on sustainability in supply chain and procurement.
Education & Training
To understand the training and development needs of the wine industry, now and in the coming five years. In doing so, to recognise the importance of training needs for wine business/sales/tourism.
To respond to identified training needs through the development of new CPD/education programmes.
To raise the profile and awareness of careers in the UK wine industry.
To work in partnership with other stakeholders and organisations to best achieve points (i) – (iii).
GROWTH
Sales & Marketing
To promote the awareness, visibility and distribution of English and Welsh Wine.
Completed
The WineGB rebrand
The English Wine Week campaign and activation kit
Underway
WineGB marketing calendar
Tourism
Wine tourism is a significant and growing part of running a successful business for vineyards and wineries across Britain. With almost 80% of our members ranking wine tourism as “very” or “extremely” important to their business contributing from 30% to 60% of total income, from the largest to the smallest producers (2023 survey).
With representatives from across the country, of all sizes, the aim of the Wine Tourism Working Group is to aid members as they develop their wine tourism offering and to help them maximise the income potential of wine tourism.
Current core activities to date include:
- Completion of ‘Taking England’s Wine Tourism to the World’ training across the country, provided by the Visit England Academy. This is now being developed as an online course.
- A Tourism Ecosystem map has been developed as a key tool to increase member’s understanding of the elements of successful wine tourism and to guide the group in developing a library of assets for members (posts, case studies, webinars, podcasts and courses).
Export
To provide a pathway and platform for WineGB membership to enter export markets and maximise commercial outcomes through category wide activations. This is achieved by working collaboratively with both domestic and in market government agencies, and the associated funding vehicles.
We are currently focusing on the activation of the 2025 plan and associated in market events as well as starting planning for 2026 events.
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability
The Sustainability Council sets the direction of WineGB’s sustainability mission and strategy. They support a two strand approach, one to bringing members in via sustainability advice, toolkits and tools; and two through the Sustainable Wines of Great Britain (SWGB) certification scheme so members can understand how to reduce their carbon and demonstrate their commitment to consumers.
