All of our staff are educated by the Wine and Sprit Education Trust (WSET) so that anyone you talk to in VWP will have a high-level of knowledge in wine. This means that they can help you to select the perfect product for your requirements.
WSET is the leading global qualification in the wine trade and we are please to be associated with this training programme. All of our staff, regardless of position, have the opportunity to progress in this qualification. This is supported by tastings and visits to vieyards and producers, particularly in Porto!
Our cellars are located in the historic town of Fordingbridge, Hampshire. From here we export our wines anywhere within the UK and to over 40 countries around the world.
The Team at VWP
Dr Tony Carter
Managing Director
Tony and Claire established VWP in 2008 to further their passion for fine vintage ports and wine. A Doctor of Astrophysics, Tony spent many years as a scientific advisor to the MOD before following his passion. He is qualified to WSET 3 (distinction), a member of the Port Forum and active supporter of the Big Fortified Tasting. He spends much of his time in Porto developing the relationships with producers.
Favourite wine tasted this year 2020 – 1960 Taylors - Glorious
Favourite in 2019 Niepoort Vinha Velha (which also has the record for highest selling price at auction of $100K)
Claire Carter
Financial Director
Claire is the co-founder of VWP. She is a taxation specialist having worked fro Customs and Excise for many years. She is WSET level 3 (Distinction) Qualified
Favourite wine tasted this year – 2014 Klein Constantia, Vin de Constance
Ben Funnell
General Manager
Ben joined VWP in 2014 as a part time assitant and has developed his skills to become the Genral Manager of VWP. He spent many years travelling, gaining experience in almost everything in the hospitality industry from whence his love of wines developed. Ben has achieved WSET 2 (merit) and is studying for his Level 3 Qualification.
Favourite wine tasted this year – 1924 Taylor’s vintage port.
Konstantia ‘Dia’ Grigoriou
Senior Wine Consultant
Dia has been working for VWP since 2012. She has a passion for wines and trained in viticulture and oenology in her native Greece, followed by six months hands on experience in a winery before working for two wine companies in Athens. She then spent time travelling globally as a translator and interpreter before coming to settle in the sunny UK. Gaining a merit at WSET level 3, she is now studying for her level 4 diploma and is an annual presenter of tastings for the Southampton University Wine club and a judge for the IWC.
Rachael Cron
Office Manager, Sales & Processing
The most recent and youngest member of our team, Rachael taught English to youngsters in China for three years before joining us. She is a keen amateur dramatist and just beginning her wine journey, however it hasn’t taken many of our tasting education sessions to develop her love of fine ports!
Favourite wine tasted this year – Graham’s 30 year old tawny port.
Ben Blainey
Cellar management, and Imagery
Although he studied media and photography, Ben’s wanderlust took him travelling for six years, working as he went in jobs as varied as grounds keeping to power boat instructing. Settling back in the UK, he began his own photography business and developed his interest in vintage products and wines which led him to us. In 2016, he joined VWP to learn more about that passion and is now qualified at WSET level 1.
Favourite wine tasted this year – Sandeman tawny ports.
Jamie Ashcroft
All-round, multi-tasking team member /h3>
Our newest team-member, responsible for our social media campaigns and blogs, Jamie has made a flying start passing his WSET 2 with distinction. He is a budding author who has devloped a passion for fine ports to taste whilst writing!
Favourite wine tasted this year – 1994 Graham’s Single Harvest port.
