For advice on our services, contact
Tel: +44 (0) 1732 779 343
BWI is quintessentially all about wine; its source, and talented winemakers from around the world. It’s our passion and personal interest in these wines which distinguishes us from other merchants. We take pride in the development of our knowledge to pass on to our clients to achieve the level of service and enjoyment we are proud of.
All our clients have specific needs, tastes and requirements. Rather than pigeonhole or regulate you as a client, we like to work on a one to one basis; we believe in tailoring our services to our clients and that your journey through the exploration of wine is unique to your palate, your preferences, your needs, your budget, your portfolio.
Our knowledge comes from multifarious sectors of influence, blended from the strength of experience, wine knowledge from working with and tasting wines, investment and financial expertise within BWI team.
Our wine advisors are here to help you discover the complete world of wine - they can accommodate you in the following areas:
- Wine for drinking now or in the future
- Wine as an investment
- Private Reserves
- Cellar Building and Management
- Portfolio Evaluation
- Storage and Insurance
- Broking & Selling your wines
Contact our wine advisors below to see how they can help you explore your passion for wine.
The team behind the service
Clive Ashby
Sales Manager
clive@bwiltd.co.uk
After 15 years in catering management, owning a wine bar and a restaurant, Clive came into the wine trade with a top Burgundy specialist where he was London Sales Manager for four years. Clive then moved to a large agency wholesaler and took responsibility for a range of accounts in various London restaurants and hotels. He was also a Bordeaux En Primeur buyer for the 2005-2010 campaigns, working with private clients and the UK wine trade.
Clive holds the WSET Diploma and has worked a vintage in New Zealand’s Hawkes Bay. His interests include Vintitulism, gastronomy, golf and rugby.
Simon Quinn
Data & e-sales Manager
simon@bwiltd.co.uk
Simon is one of the most experienced members of the BWI team having 15 years of working within the wine trade. His passion for wine started during his studies at university, and on graduation devoted his time to attain his WSET examinations to Diploma level whilst working with wine retailers to utilise the skills he was developing.
Before joining BWI he provided a bespoke service for clients within a well known London based wine broker. He now specialises in selected areas such as Bordeaux, Burgundy and German wines. Simon’s experience in Bordeaux is extensive and he has tasted En Primeur in Bordeaux each year since the 2000 vintage and has also visited many of the top domains of Burgundy. Though his tastes are eclectic, his favourite wines are the reds of the Cotes de Nuits, in Burgundy and the whites of the Mosel, in Germany.
Martin Lea
Sales Manager, BWI Hong Kong Ltd
martin@bwi.hk
After proving his mettle as a fantastic Wine Advisor at BWI’s UK operation, Martin Lea has been promoted to General Manager of BWI Hong Kong Ltd. He relocated to the Far East and opened the new office in October 2011.
Martin, affectionately known as Junior, joined us in 2007. He holds the WSET Diploma, has travelled to many of the world’s wine regions and continues to refine his love of fine wines. Martin can offer advice on wine from every corner of the world.
“Martin Lea is the consummate wine professional, coolly delivering intricate details and colourful anecdotes about 100s of Bordeaux's from his vault like memory. Fantastic customer service and a friendly can do attitude make dealing with him even in the most stressful of campaigns and absolute pleasure!” James, London 2010
Matt Bensted
Sales Executive
matt@bwiltd.co.uk
Matt Bensted joined BWI in late 2007 and has become an integral part of the UK team. Working with both trade and private clients, purchasing and sales, Matt’s ‘all rounder’ skills are his strength.
Matt has worked on four consecutive En Primeur campaigns, which included tastings in Bordeaux, and has recently completed the Advanced WSET course.
Outside of wine Matt’s passion is music - he still runs a dance record label ‘Revolution Recordings’ which has over 50 tracks signed from artists all over the world.
Sarah Abbott MW
Our Consultant Master of Wine
Sarah Abbott is a highly-regarded wine educator, speaker and writer. Born into a family of restaurateurs, she cites greed and curiosity as the motivators for her passion for food and wine. After early jobs in marketing and hospitality, she joined the wine trade in 1996, working over the years with fine wines from France, Italy and Australia.
Sarah became a Master of Wine (MW) in 2008 after four years of study and working trips to Bordeaux, Burgundy, Italy and Australia. Sarah is the wine consultant exclusively to BWI, and works with us to deliver an unmissable range of wines, expert tasting notes, and engaging wine events.
Ashley Register
Private Client Wine Advisor
ashley@bwiltd.co.uk
Ash read history at university but left knowing less about the former and far more about the more vinous joys of life. It is within the latter industry that he decided to pledge his allegiance and he has never looked back. Although a Bordeaux fanatic, he rarely turns his nose up at a drop and will advocate a hearty McLaren Vale Shiraz as much as a delicate Mosel Riesling, a beast of a Rhone or a cheeky little Muscadet.
He joins BWI from a London based wine merchant where he advised on drinking and investing alike. He is working towards his WSET Diploma and has worked on each En Primeur campaign since 2008.
He splits his time equally between vinous exploits and open ocean kayaking in which he takes a keen interest.