Simon Evans
Managing Director
Simon began in the wine world aged 18 having never previously drunk a glass of wine in his life. Hands on wine retail experience and tasting lead to Simon studying wine qualifications up to and including WSET Diploma ( which he accomplished entirely at home tasting wines blind that his wife bought for him ).
A spell in large retail management at its end it was time to a move into specialist wine trade roles. Retail Wine Management, Fine Wine specialism and Merchandising roles complete, what the next step?
Now to run his own business, Simon co-founded The Naked Grape in 2004 and has lead from the front from day one. From loading the van to running wine education classes and tasting thousands and thousands of bottles in order to choose the exact wines he wants, Simon’s work ethic continues to drive the business forward. An avid music lover, ( vinyl of course ) Simon’s dad jokes and humour are only exceed by his astonishing memory for both useful and useless information.
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George
General Manager
Born on the 4th July, George has a strong work ethic. A small town girl made good in the big smoke, she knows what she wants and gets it. A keen eye on procedures and practices, nothing gets past her exacting standards. Trained in Applied Biology and Animal Management, she is well placed to control the Team at The Naked Grape. George is most comfortable juggling many tasks and she excels when pushed to the limit.
George holds the WSET Level 2 - passed with Distinction
Wine of Choice: Oak driven Chardonnay
Driving Style: get out of my way
Ambition: To own a red Lotus Elise
Motto: I love oliver Stone.
Warren
Wine Advisor, Events & Tech Support
Warren treats his love of wine and computers in equal measure. ( but wine wins really! ) His skills of food and wine matching are also extensive, with a speciality in Bordeaux and Cheese combinations.
A clear eye for detail, Warren loves to recommend wines that you may not have had before.
Drink of Choice: Top Growth Bordeaux
Driving Style: Maturing
Ambition: To set up all his Record Players
Motto: Never give up
Roberta
Wine Advisor & Wine Bar Manager
Roberta fits into the team so well, being someone who tells it how it is. Having worked in various areas of events and team support Roberta now spends her time at work talking up the glorious wines of Italy and bringing in fabulous baked goods for us to enjoy.
She also does'nt like a mess, so we love her for that too!
Roberta has been recognised as a Rising Star in the Wine Trade
in The Wine Merchant Magazine
Drink of Choice: BIG Red Wines
Driving Style: Ciao!
Ambition: To dance the night away ( every night !)
Motto: Do your best no matter what
Nicola
Wine Advisor and Events
Nicola's experience in second to none, she knows everybody. If you are a somebody, then Nicola knows you! Nicola adds wisdom, fun and a serious hard work ethic to the team.
Drink of Choice: Provence Rose Magnums of course
Driving Style: Roadrunner
Ambition: To buy a bigger kitchen table
Motto: Life is too short to drink bad wine!
Chris
Logistics and Wine Advisor
With a fascination on doing things well, Chris adds a great way of thinking to the Team. Mainly charged with the logistical movements of stock with the company, Chris also appears in the shops, at our seasonal events and also at our wine tastings.
Drink of Choice: Spanish Tempranillo
Driving Style: Easy does it
Ambition: I’d like to teach the world to sing
Motto: Croissants for all.
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Holly
Wine Advisor & Wine Bar Manager
Holly has worked in the wine trade for a while mixing her time with garden and landscape inspirational designs. These skills are often of use in creating our shop displays! We have learnt quickly that our love for cake in the afternoon is shared by Holly too. Holly's work ethic and team work is key to the team's success.
Holly holds the WSET Level 2 and WSET Level 3 - passed with Merit
Drink of Choice: Hearty Italian Primitivo
Driving Style: Easy tiger
Ambition: To become a master locksmith
Motto: just chill
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Jo
Wine Advisor & Events
Jo has been an integral member of the team since Jo and Simon met at a business meeting in Hungerford. Jo brings a massive wealth of knowledge to the team and can be relied upon to have a smile on her face. See Jo at our Hungerford shop and especially at our wine tasting events
Drink of Choice: Local Fizz
Driving Style: Move over
Ambition: To make her own wine
Motto: Live life to the full
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