Our team
Wine is our passion, and we want to share our passion with you.
We want our customers' businesses to grow alongside ours. We are committed to developing and strengthening our partnership.
At Ellis, we pride ourselves on our level of customer service and creating long standing relationships with both our customers and growers alike built on loyalty, integrity and respect. These values start with our staff, all working hard to ensure our business runs smoothly and our service remains at an impeccable standard. Many of our loyal team have been with us over 20 years, proving both our dedication to our staff and their commitment to our customers.
Learn more about some of our team below.
The eldest Ellis brother, James started at the business with his father Colin Ellis in 1978. Starting work as a delivery driver, James has a vast experience of all areas of the trade. What he doesn't know about the wine market isn't worth knowing! Nowadays overseeing a growing sales team he has his hands full.
'I would have to choose a German Riesling or top quality Pinot Noir – both are expressive, classy and timeless!'
Middle brother Robert worked in retail wine shop and Bentalls Kingston before joining the family business in 1982. He now acts as ops director overseeing stock and deliveries.
'The greatest wine I have ever tasted is Chateau Yquem. Though my current favourite is Lenoble Blanc de Blancs NV'
William joined the company in 1999 having qualified as a Chartered Accountant and worked in The City for a number of years. He is responsible for ‘steering the financial ship’ as well as championing customer services.
'My wine of the moment is Cantina Orsogna Pecorino from Abruzzo, Italy.'
Holly joins Ellis with a background in events and catering so a step into the wonderful world of wine is the perfect move.
If you ask anyone what Holly is obsessed with we can guarantee she’d say the following three things; her dogs, pick & mix and Whispering Angel Rosé.
“I promise I am not following the trend but I can’t deny that there isn’t much better than a glass of Whispering Angel in the sun”.
A certified wine geek, Megan achieved the WSET diploma whilst working for the company and enjoys nothing more than sitting on her balcony with a glass of wine (and then tweeting about it!).
'In terms of wine i'm a big lover of Champagne, but if I want something a bit off beat Paulett Sparkling Red is fantastic!'
Richard has worked for Ellis Wines for over 16 years and he now oversees the purchasing of our wines from around the world, he is as passionate about the business as much as he is passionate about the wines.
“Rioja reds and well balanced oaked Chardonnays are my favourite styles of wine”.
Starting at Ellis in June 2005, Lou has previously worked in IT with a stint in Social Services. Now a marketing maestro, she works with our producers and customers to promote their wines and businesses.
'My Favourite wine is definitely the Wairau River Reserve Sauvignon Blanc.'
With a passion for all things creative and a love of food, Maria left her previous job, as a marketing assistant for a restaurant group to further her creative career in design and is enjoying learning all about the wonderful world of wine.
‘A G&T would be my drink of choice, but to satisfy my sweet tooth I’d choose a small glass of the Wairau River Botrytised Riesling’
Jo started working at Ellis when she was 18. Starting in Customer Service she now heads Desktop Publishing, creating fabulous menus and lists for our customers.
'At the moment I'm loving the new Custoza wine from Northern Italy.'
Lynne joined Ellis of Richmond Ltd in November 1997, back when our offices were based in Teddington. Originally working a temp role, hard working Lynne naturally impressed the board and was given a permanent position in January 1998.
'Currently, my favourite wine is Picpoul de Pinet'
Previously working in Travel as a Sales & Project Manager. Richard changed his career path to wine, 11 years at Majestic working up to Store Manager and gaining WSET Diploma before the move away from retail to Ellis in 2017.
'I’ve never come across a bad bottle of Brunello, and even just saying the name makes me want a glass.'
Started as a Tea Taster with Brooke Bond and Ridgeways before joining the Wine trade with Grierson Blumenthal. Then moving to Ebury Mathiot then Mentzendorff before joining Ellis in 2000.
If given the opportunity I would choose Chateau Lafite 61 in Magnums of course!