Our Team

Kelli Coxhead, DipWSET

The Wine Shop Founder

While travelling in New Zealand in 2006, my passion for wine was born. I was lucky enough to visit a handful of wineries and, unexpectedly, I found the experience enchanting. That was it, I was hooked. 

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I created The Wine Tasting Co. in 2009, out of a passion and love for wine, and a desire to share this with other people. I then opened The Wine Shop in Winscombe in 2012, continuing the desire to share with other people.

Throughout this time I have qualified in the WSET Diploma, qualified in the teaching of WSET, which now enables me to teach others to support & guide them through their education of wine. Want to gain a qualification in wine? Find out more here.

I have had the honour to be invited by Deutz Champagne to join the Order des Coteaux de Champagne to support in the promotion of this wonderful sparkling wine.

Bit of history of my journey – After returning to the UK, I was employed by a London-based international wine company. I was able to learn more about this exciting new world which was opening up in front of me.

A position became available with an independent wine merchant in Clifton, Bristol, and since working at Clifton Wine Cellars, I have been involved in arranging and tutoring tasting events. The real joy with wine is there is always so much more to learn. It’s an ever-developing and changing subject as more winemakers evolve and create new and exciting wines. There are many occasions on which to drink wine and, while you don’t have to break the bank to get the right wine for the right occasion, it can make all the difference.

This is why I wanted to share my passion with others and to take away the often-pompous attitude that can be associated with wine. I want people to enjoy wine as it should be, based on the sensory experience of smell, taste and sight. Love wine, love tasting.”

Matthew Coxhead

Wholesale and Distribution

I joined the wine shop in 2012 working on the business of wine. However, quickly learned that the real fun is in the tasting. I’m in the extremely lucky position that I get to taste a lot of wine and spirits, samples that have been sent by suppliers, what we have open on the tasting bench or what I’m pouring at our Friday night wine tastings. The secret is to be open minded, try lots of things and enjoy each grape variety on its own merits.

Dave Stokes

Wholesale and Distribution

Dave joined the wine shop in 2022, to oversee the wholesale and distribution of wine and spirits to some of the best local restaurants, bars and retail outlets.