Vinokelly was started in 2016 by wine industry sales and buying professional Gareth, and his wife Elizabeth, a highly experienced city focussed head-hunter. We did this for a few reasons:

1. We always wanted to set up and run a business together. Many would have run a mile from the prospect of doing this, but we continue to be successful and are still considered one of the go-to agencies (see what people are saying about us in our testimonials).

2. The need for a specialist, Drinks Industry-focussed, agency that was credible and would offer a point of difference by having first-hand market experience and charging sensible fees.

3. To help improve the overall quality and image of recruitment in the Drinks Industry and be friendly and helpful whilst do it.

In the early days of Vinokelly (and both of us having decided to leave the world of full-time employment) we took the plunge and started to ask around key industry people to see if there was an appetite for a service like Vinokelly. The feedback was a unanimous yes. 

In terms of timing…

Is there ever a good time to set up a business from scratch?

With two children under four, a couple of months’ salary in the bank and equal amounts of self-belief and dread – we took the plunge. To raise a bit of working capital Gareth sold his beloved Mini Cooper that he had cherished, with the promise from Elizabeth that it was just a temporary thing…  

Thankfully she was right and all these years later the driveway is no longer empty. We are now a team of four and have our own offices and an enviable client list. It has been an amazing ride so far and we aren’t going anywhere. We will continue to serve this fantastic industry and our wonderful clients (some of them are now friends) across wine, spirits beer and the No Lo sectors with our trademark speed, integrity, and friendly approach.

This is who we are…