Be inspired from those in the industry
Harry Gilbert, London Account Executive, Nyetimber
From a young age, Harry Gilbert dreamed of becoming a chef—captivated by the energy of restaurants and the stories told through food. But it was a chance encounter with winemaker Dominic Hentall that redirected his path. “Dominic’s stories of life as a flying winemaker opened my eyes to a whole world I didn’t know existed,” Harry recalls. “It was the first time I realised wine could be more than just a drink—it could be a career.”
That spark led Harry to Plumpton College, where he earned a BA in International Wine Business and deepened his understanding of the trade. With WSET Level 2, a diploma in Single Malt Whisky from the Edinburgh Whisky Academy, and even a forklift license under his belt, Harry prepared himself for the hands-on nature of the industry. A harvest role at Nyetimber’s pressing centre during university opened the door to something bigger. Just months after graduating, he joined the brand’s London team as an Account Executive.
Today, Harry works across the capital, supporting Nyetimber’s presence in top restaurants through training, events, and wine list curation. He also scouts new business opportunities for both Nyetimber and The Lakes Distillery, blending passion with commercial insight.
For Harry, success in wine isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about people. “You have to truly believe in what you're selling,” he says. “If your enthusiasm isn’t real, people will see right through it.”
Now, as a young ambassador for English Sparkling Wine, Harry is excited to grow with a category that’s gaining global recognition—proof that the best careers are sometimes the ones you never planned for.
Joe Rook, Wine and Spirits Development Manager, Molson Coors
Joe Rook didn’t grow up dreaming of a wine career. In fact, he didn’t even know his current role existed three years ago. Fresh out of college and unsure what was next, Joe stumbled across an advert for a sales apprenticeship with Molson Coors. “All I saw was ‘company car’ and I was sold". A few weeks later, he’d become the company’s first-ever Wine and Spirits Sales Apprentice—with no previous experience beyond drinking £3 rosé.
Thrown in at the deep end, Joe learned on the job from an experienced wine team. Early on, he discovered a love for training others, helping demystify wine for customers and bar teams in relatable, down-to-earth language. “I realised I enjoyed making wine feel more accessible—breaking it down into ‘normal people words".
Since completing his apprenticeship, Joe has earned WSET Levels 1–3 (with Merit) and now holds the position of Wine and Spirits Development Manager, covering a huge patch across the North West. His day-to-day includes everything from sales strategy and wine list development to tastings, supplier partnerships, and staff training.
“It’s not a hard-sell industry,” he explains. “It’s about listening, understanding people, and sharing your passion.” For Joe, the future is about continued learning and opening more doors for others: “I feel lucky to have found a career that doesn’t feel like work—and I want to keep making this industry more welcoming".
Guillemette de Couesnongle, Group Head of Trade Marketing, Nyetimber
Guillemette de Couesnongle didn’t set out to work in wine—but after an early career in construction and tech, she found her way into the industry through a chance opportunity representing Saumur Champigny AOC in New York. That experience sparked a lasting connection to the wine world, one that combined creativity, culture, and people—elements she hadn’t found in previous roles. Since then, her career has taken her through key positions across French wine houses and drinks brands, before joining Nyetimber four years ago, where she now serves as Head of Trade Marketing.
In this varied and often behind-the-scenes role, Guillemette oversees how Nyetimber shows up in the market—from customer activations and strategic retail displays to event collaborations and visibility within trade channels. Her days range from planning strategy to executing high-profile activations, like Nyetimber’s standout campaign for their Team GB Limited-Edition bottle, which included prestigious partnerships with Berry Bros. & Rudd and The Savoy.
She sees creativity, tenacity, and diplomacy as essential for success, particularly in a role where every touchpoint is designed to influence how a brand is experienced. Her advice to anyone looking to get into wine? Be curious. Get out into the market. Pay attention to how brands show up—and don’t be afraid to start a conversation.
Guillemette is excited about the growing opportunities in travel retail, where wine brands are competing to capture attention in dynamic, experience-driven spaces.
Sophie Purkis Charters, Vineyard Assistant, Saffron Grange Vineyard
For Sophie Purkis Charters, a love of the land and a sense of purpose among the vines came unexpectedly. After earning a music degree just as the pandemic hit, she returned home to Burgundy, France, where her parents lived, and took a role in a local vineyard. “I was looking for something outdoors and grounding,” she recalls. “That year among the vines gave me more than I ever anticipated—it gave me a direction.”
With previous harvest experience and a strong family connection to wine—her father is a professor and researcher in the field—Sophie’s interest quickly turned into a career path. When she relocated to the UK, she was surprised to find a thriving viticulture scene near Cambridge. A speculative email led to an opportunity at Saffron Grange Vineyard, where she was offered a full-time role and the chance to complete a Level 3 Crop Technician Apprenticeship with Plumpton College.
Now Vineyard Assistant at Saffron Grange, Sophie’s days are refreshingly varied, from detailed vineyard planning and hands-on seasonal tasks to tractor work and office-based decision-making. “I love the balance between physical, technical, and strategic work,” she says. “No two days are the same, and that’s what keeps it so engaging.”
Sophie is particularly excited by the rise of regenerative and sustainable practices in UK viticulture. “There’s so much innovation happening across the industry—it’s inspiring to be part of a vineyard that’s open to trialling new ideas and constantly improving.”
