Simon Evans
Managing Director
Simon began in the wine world aged 18 having never previously drunk a glass of wine in his life. Hands on wine retail experience and tasting lead to Simon studying wine qualifications up to and including WSET Diploma ( which he accomplished entirely at home tasting wines blind that his wife bought for him ).
A spell in large retail management at its end it was time to a move into specialist wine trade roles. Retail Wine Management, Fine Wine specialism and Merchandising roles complete, what the next step?
Now to run his own business, Simon co-founded The Naked Grape in 2004 and has lead from the front from day one. From loading the van to running wine education classes and tasting thousands and thousands of bottles in order to choose the exact wines he wants, Simon’s work ethic continues to drive the business forward. An avid music lover, ( vinyl of course ) Simon’s dad jokes and humour are only exceed by his astonishing memory for both useful and useless information.
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To celebrate 21ys of The Naked Grape see Simon's
Quick Fire Interview - here.
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Holly
Wine Advisor & Wine Bar Manager
Holly has worked in the wine trade for some years now, building up a huge amount of experience and knowledge. Just to add to that she has recently pass her Level 2 WSET in Spirits with a 100% pass and she also holds the WSET Level 2 in Wines. When not creating shop displays Holly mixes her time with a talent in garden and landscape design. We quickly learnt that Holly shares our love for cake in the afternoon!
Holly's work ethic is key to the team's success.
Drink of Choice: A juicy pure Pinotage.
Driving Style: Easy tiger
Ambition: To become a master locksmith
Motto: just chill
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Nicola
Wine Advisor & Events
Nicola's experience in second to none, she knows everybody. If you are a somebody, then Nicola knows you! Being there at the inaugural idea of Hattingley Valley Winery, Nicola's local wine knowledge is unmatched. Nicola adds wisdom, fun and a serious hard work ethic to the team.
Drink of Choice: Provence Rose Magnums of course
Driving Style: Roadrunner
Ambition: To buy a bigger kitchen table
Motto: Life is too short to drink bad wine!
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Nick
Wine Advisor & Events
Nick arrived as if by magic to the team, he was in the right place at the right time. An experienced Head Sommelier and with wine already a complete fascination to him, Nick is a walking encyclopaedia.
You can find him in the Alresford shop on most Saturdays.
Drop in and ask for a recommendation, you will not be disappointed.
Nick is currently studying for the WSET Diploma.
Drink of Choice: something you weren't expecting!
Driving Style: Do I drive on the left or right?
Ambition: World domination
Motto: aaannnd relax
George
General Manager
Born on the 4th July, George has a strong work ethic. A small town girl made good in the big smoke, she knows what she wants and gets it. A keen eye on procedures and practices, nothing gets past her exacting standards. Trained in Applied Biology and Animal Management, she is well placed to control the Team at The Naked Grape. George is most comfortable juggling many tasks and she excels when pushed to the limit. George holds the WSET Level 2 - passed with Distinction
Wine of Choice: Oak driven Chardonnay
Driving Style: get out of my way
Ambition: To own a red Lotus Elise
Motto: I love oliver Stone.
Cat
Private Client Sales and Events
Cat owned the Italian Wine Merchant Toscanaccio in Parchment Street Winchester and is now savouring her new role at TNG.
Cat will be using her in depth knowledge of the wines she loves, to satisfy wine thirsts in Winchester as well as dipping into a whole new range of wines stocked in our shops.
“this is the perfect fit for me” says Cat. “finding people who share my love of wine and my way of thinking is the ideal step. I have so many ideas and plans to continue what I’ve championed in Winchester for the past 13 years”
Drink of Choice: Italian Chiaretto Rose
Driving Style: its Hammer time
Ambition: To run as far as Forest Gump
Motto: enter expletive **here**
Chris
Logistics & Events
With a fascination on doing things well, Chris adds a great way of thinking to the Team. Mainly charged with the logistical movements of stock with the company, Chris also appears in the shops, at our seasonal events and also at our wine tastings.
Drink of Choice: Spanish Tempranillo
Driving Style: Cruise control is the key
Ambition: I’d like to teach the world to sing.
Motto: Make love not war.​
Jo
Wine Advisor & Events
Jo has been an integral member of the team since Jo and Simon met at a business meeting in Hungerford. Jo brings a massive wealth of knowledge to the team and can be relied upon to have a smile on her face. See Jo making special appearances at our Hungerford shop and especially at our wine tasting events.
Drink of Choice: Local Fizz
Driving Style: Move over
Ambition: To make her own wine
Motto: Live life to the full