At the heart of the Squerryes business, and a longstanding member of staff entering her 8th year of employment, Emma is the key intermediary between the winery and trade customers, as well as ensuring we stick to our brand values with the key Squerryes messaging.
Her career initially started in auditing, after completing a geography degree at Newcastle University, then a short spell with Bluebell Vineyard Estates gave her the enthusiasm to develop a career in wine. Emma's knowledge of the geographical influences of location, climate and terroir have certainly helped her understand the practicalities of growing grapes, whilst her studies to level three of the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) have given Emma the appreciation of blending, fermenting and the importance of time on the lees for vintage sparkling wine.
Reflecting on her career in the wine industry, Emma says
‘I enjoy working in the English wine trade because of how quickly it is moving and the wine is fast becoming a serious player on the world stage. The diversity of my role keeps me busy and entertained, and I love being able to work with all members of the Squerryes team, working in a beautiful setting, and learning every day.'
Emma heads up a team of three people, overseeing membership, marketing and despatch. As a key member of the management team, day-to-day tasks involve checking in with trade customers, liaising with the winery team on forthcoming vintages, planning the membership calendar and overseeing events. She also works closely with the restaurant team and plays a part in the blending decision process for each new vintage. On the brand side, Emma has guided the development of the imagery from the early days, ensuring our three pillars of estate, joy and English sparkling wine are reflected in everything we do.
A keen advocate for staff to take the WSET exams, she ensures we deliver a high level of knowledge to customers on our wine, as well as the other English wines we stock from fellow Wine Garden of England members, and the international selection chosen by Laura Evans, Squerryes' Master of Wine.
Our recent cohort of WSET candidates, another all-female team, achieved a high pass rate with Carey from the Estate Deli team scoring 100%! Reflecting on this, Emma says
I have always said there is such joy in learning and I'm enormously proud of the efforts and achievements of these impressive women who are taking their first steps in wine education. Onwards ladies!
If you would like to talk to Emma about stocking Squerryes, corporate gifting or trade orders, please contact her below.