Fiona 

Alex

“My name’s Alex. I entered the industry initially part-time while studying for a master’s degree in Ecological Management and Conservation Biology. It was in this time that I well and truly caught the ‘wine bug’; enthralled by how the often-esoteric environmental processes that I studied were translated, quite tangibly, into the glass, allowing each wine to reveal its own sensorial story. 

Since I joined the team in 2017, I now manage our Fine Wine and En Primeur offerings which involves the constant study of, and occasional travel to, the top winemaking regions of the world. I also keep abreast of vintage reports and market performances, endeavours which suit my slightly anoraky nature!

In 2022 I passed the WSET Diploma Award in Wine with Distinction which necessitated the constant research and tasting of wines from all over the world - someone’s got to do it! In the process I received the Derouet Jameson Award that enabled me to join the Master of Wine Programme in 2024, so feel free to pick my brain on all things viticulture, viniculture, and tasting technique.”

Edel

“Having worked in the same sector for over twenty years, I am enjoying a new direction in my working life having moved into wine retail in 2021. In late 2021 I completed the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines, achieving a Distinction. Since joining JN in 2022 I’ve been relishing the opportunities to learn about the retail spirits and wine trade & I am keen to further my wine & spirit education. Every day is a school day! I was awarded a Distinction in WSET Level 3 Award in Wines in April 2023.

As well as a love of wine appreciation, I enjoy cocktail making at home having amassed an enviable collection of spirits, liqueurs & amari over the years. On my travels I have visited vineyards in Bordeaux, Madeira, Spain & Germany as well as distilleries in Cognac, The Netherlands, Scotland & Ireland. I’ve also attended the Bordeaux Fête le Vin twice. I attended Budapest Borfesztivál in 2018 will be taking friends to it this September. 

I am also a member of CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale) and have visited breweries in Ireland, Belgium and The Netherlands. I plan to make many, many more trips in the future to further my wine, spirits and beer education.”