Meet the team
We are a close-knit gang of very different but equally committed individuals, who share the same passion for wine and the same relentless work ethics. Coming from different countries and walks of life, our paths have crossed at Wanderlust Wine and we wake up every day feeling privileged to work with each other and our amazing producers.
Richard Ellison
Founder & Managing Director
Richard was first a chef and then graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Food & Wine Technology. Unable to find where to go with the qualification he ended up in corporate banking. After 10 years he was looking for the next thing and enrolled in wine school. Initially meant as an extension of his personal interests and hobbies, he progressed through the WSET levels with a distinction and realised he was pretty good at the ‘wine thing’ and that this could be the application of his degree and love of all things sensory.
Being an avid traveller, the concept of Wanderlust Wine was thus born: to import wines from small producers that Richard had discovered on his travels and sell them here in the UK.
Armed with a business plan and a handful of golden initial winemakers, Richard rolled up his sleeves, sourcing a warehouse and talking to sommeliers about the concept. Six years on, Wanderlust Wine is proud to be working with a much larger portfolio of smaller producers making sustainable wine with a unique sense of time & place.
Jake Osborne
National Trade Sales
A trip to California in 2004 inspired a career switch and a move into the world of wine. This proved successful personally and professionally, meeting and marrying his wife Rachel whilst working in the wine trade. After nearly 15 years in various roles, Jake joined Wanderlust in early 2022, tasked with helping Wanderlust grow sales nationwide across all channels. Weekends are spent running around after daughters Alice and Flora, usually with a mountain bike ride and BBQ thrown in.
Ben Mudditt
SW Trade Sales
Ben grew up in Devon, spent years in Bristol and now lives in Cornwall. Not a big fan of school, Ben fell into the hospitality industry at sixteen, gaining experience in the SW and Europe’s top restaurants. Along this journey he discovered his love for wine, enrolled on his studies, passed his WSET Diploma with Merit and the rest is history.
When not touting great wines to the SW’s best restaurants he’s normally found surfing the beaches of Newquay.
Noemi Bell
South East Trade Sales
Our new team member bio is coming soon!
Tatti Sukamongkol
Consumer & OnTrade Account Manager
A Thai native with an undying passion for terroir-driven wines, Tatti started his wine & spirits career in the restaurant trade; where he managed day-to-day operations of hospitality venues before switching to fine wine retail with an emphasis on private and corporate client sales. Tatti holds WSET qualifications up to level 4 Diploma.
In addition to his love of wine, Tatti is also a columnist and writer for The Whisky Blog, The MALT Review and a judge for the Spirits Business magazine. Tatti is an avid foodie and traveller, always in search of the next, new adventure!
Sharon Wong
Consumer Sales & Marketing Manager
Sharon began her career as a project manager in marketing agencies and tech start-ups in Switzerland and the UK before transitioning to her wine profession. Through working in London’s wine industry, Sharon has developed a profound appreciation for wine. On this journey, she achieved her WSET Level 3 with distinction and continues with her wine study.
When she is not writing, reading or creating content about wines, she is either cooking, planning her next dinner party or reading about which restaurant to go to next!
Dan Smith
London Trade Sales
Our new team member bio is coming soon!
Joseph Illes
Financial Director
Joe was a rising star at Essex-based accountancy firm Thickbroom Coventry. Having quickly risen to partner in just a few years and then to Managing Partner another five years on. Joe has helped many clients of different sizes with financial and strategic advice, empowering growth and success.
Lara Buckle
PR Director
Lara has worked in PR for 15 years, launching and managing PR strategies for some of the world’s most iconic consumer brands, and has a proven track record launching startup businesses to success. She has masterminded the PR for Wanderlust Wine for four years now, driving brand awareness and product placement across top tier media.
Join our team!
Current Vacancy
We are always looking for passionate talent to join our team! If you don’t find anything suitable, get in touch at hello@wanderlustwine.co.uk. We look forward hearing from you.