ABOUT US
Direct Wines Production is part of an established, family-owned business that has been involved in the wine industry since the 1960s.
With over 50 years of experience in trading wine - as a part of the global Direct Wines trading business - we have established a reputation across the world and network that few can match.
On top of this, we have over 65 years of experience making our own wine in twelve countries. Currently, our team is spread across our properties in France, Australia and the United Kingdom.
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There's also our unique "Château & Shed" partnership between Le Chai au Quai in France and RedHeads Wine in Australia. This is the ultimate union between New and Old World where the exchange of ideas between winemakers is a continuation of Tony Laithwaite's Flying Winemakers from the 1970s.
Iain Muggoch
General Manager
Iain has had over 25 years in the wine business, working with some key players and top wineries around the world. Before being appointed General Manager of Direct Wines Production in 2013 he was Buying Director for a fine wine merchant. There he played a major role in developing key brands and growing it to be the UK’s largest supplier to the on-trade.
Fond of Bordeaux's classics, he is always delighted to open a bottle from the handful of family-owned estates in Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux.
Matt Eggens
Commercial Manager
It might be easier to sum Matt up by what he hasn't done, such is the wealth of experience he has brought to the team! Our Operations Manager joined us in June 2017 with his knowledge and understanding of the business has had a huge impact.
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Matt has worked in wine for over 10 years with experience in the on-trade and off-trade, prior to working for one of the UK's oldest wine merchants.
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When not working, Matt's time is dedicated to his wife, chidren and the occasional glass (or two) of Riesling.
Jean-Marc Sauboua
Head of International Winemaking
Bordeaux-born, Jean-Marc Sauboua comes from a family with a long history in winemaking. He learnt much from his uncle – Francis Courselle – who was a pioneer in modern Bordeaux whites and Jean-Marc has gone on himself to win Trophies for his terrific wines from across the world.
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Jean-Marc is the Head Winemaker at the flagship property of Domaines Laithwaite, Château La Clarière Laithwaite. He also oversees all DWP winemaking at our production sites.
Lucie Matejicna
Head of Business Improvement
Our Moravian business guru, Lucie is the keeper of the purse strings. She had an interesting upbringing too, with a grandmother who insisted that a shot of the local spirit "slivovice" was the secret to her long life! In fact, the local families would all get together each year to compare their own produce! Her family would always come out on top too.
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Lucie joined the company in 2011 and hasn't looked back, working her way to Head of Business Improvement.
Alex Crawford
Sales and Marketing
The man with the brands, focusing his time on shouting about our wines to whoever wants to listen! He’s usually popping up around the place at events talking customers through the stories behind our labels; it’s best not to be camera-shy around him as he’s always on the lookout for new snaps to put on our Facebook and Instagram pages!
Born and raised in Sydney, he’s travelled the world for wine, enjoying what so many different regions have to offer. A keen sportsman, he's often playing football, cricket or golf.
Charlie Geoghegan
International Sales Manager
Charlie is from Dublin and joins our London-based team after three years in Bordeaux. His wine work has ranged from retailing in Ireland to commercial export at a leading Grand Cru Classé château in Margaux. As an independent consultant, he’s worked with wineries, retailers, importers and educators all over the world on a range of projects including marketing, communications and international trade.
He holds an MBA in Wine Marketing & Management from INSEEC Wine Institute and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management & Marketing from Dublin Institute of Technology. Though passionate about wine and always open to trying something new, his heart lies somewhere along the banks of the Gironde estuary – for now, at least. Other than wine, he’s quite into music, TV and food.
David Soulard
International Sales Manager
Our Frenchman in London. After graduating from his Master’s Degree in International Trade, David started his career working for a major producer in the Loire Valley before joining one of the biggest wine retailer in the UK, selling wine for both the off-trade and on-trade.
Always a big fan of a good chenin blanc from the Loire (no surprise here!), he also has a thing for Italian wines as well as innovative blends from the South of France.
Andy Gadd
International Account Manager
Andy has had many years of experience in all parts of the business, starting in the UK in in the outbound sales team, before joining the management side of things. He has been living in Bristol for the last four years, where has recently completed his Wine and Spirits Diploma.
When not at work Andy can be found watching and playing just about any sport going. He’s a QPR season ticket holder (but don’t hold that against him!) and recently completed his first Half Marathon.
His ‘go-to’ country for wine has traditionally been Italian, but recently he has been enjoying furthering his knowledge and understanding of Australian wine.
Simon Cona
Commercial Assistant
Simon is a native from the region, born and bred just down the road. Despite only joining the team while at university, he has been working in vineyards or in cellars for a number of years during his holidays. Wine has become a real passion for him to the point that he has chosen to study Wine Trading at university. Simon has brought a great level of motivation and determination to the role.
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As a drummer - he has rhythm in his soul - the constant tapping of his feet and hands can be quite annoying around the office!
