Founder & Wine Buyer
Kelli Coxhead
Kelli founded The Wine Tasting Company in 2009, driven by her passion for wine and a desire to share it with others. In 2012, she opened The Wine Shop in Winscombe, continuing her mission to spread the love of wine.
Over the years, Kelli has earned the WSET level 4 Diploma and a teaching qualification for WSET Levels 1 and 2, allowing her to guide and support others in their wine education journey.
She has also had the honour of being invited by Deutz Champagne to join the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne, earning her the esteemed title of Dame of Champagne.
‘The point of drinking wine is… To taste sunlight trapped in a bottle, and to remember some stony slope in Tucany or a village by the Gironde.’ John Mortimer 1923.
Assistant Manager & Wine Adviser
Caroline Rodaway
Caroline always had a deep fascination with wine, particularly with how grapes are grown and how the wine is produced. Caroline made the decision a few years ago to work in the wine industry and hasn’t looked back. Since then Caroline has been studying through WSET levels 1-3 and is now midway through the WSET level 4 Diploma. Her particular area of interest is the history of wine and native grapes. She is rightly proud of the brilliant local wine producers that we have in this area. Her main role at the Wine Shop involves advising customers on their choice of wines, assessing new wines and hosting wine tastings.
Caroline has lived all her life in North Somerset, so it’s great she's able to work in the local community. Caroline is rightly proud of the brilliant local wine producers we have in the area. Caroline main roles at the Wine Shop involves advising customers on their choice of wines, assessing new wines and hosting wine tastings.
Logistics & On-Trade Sales
Matthew Coxhead
Matthew joined the wine shop in 2012 working on the business of wine. However, he quickly learned that the real fun is in the tasting. He's in the extremely lucky position that he gets to taste a lot of wine and spirits. Sent by suppliers, those on the tasting bench or what he's pouring at wine tastings. This has enabled him to gain his WSET levels 1-2. The secret is to be open minded, try lots of things and enjoy each grape variety on its own merits.
“Gentleman, in the little moment that remains to us between the crisis and the catastrophe, we may as well drink a glass of Champagne” Paul Claudel (1868-1955).
Distribution
Dave Stokes
Dave joined the Wine Shop in 2022 after 30 years of working in the public sector. Dave has always had an interest in wine, and passed the WSET level 1 a few years ago, the course greatly enhanced his knowledge and this has proved hugely beneficial since joining the team at The Wine Shop.
Dave's role takes him away from the shop and out onto the road delivering to the many quality restaurants and bars we have in and around Somerset. He also delivers to private customers homes, he particularly enjoy this aspect of his work because everyone, without exception, is always pleased to see the Wine Shop van pull up outside of their front door!