Col Grandfield – Store Manager, Kew

I arrive at The Good Wine Shop on top of a career of over ten years at the cutting edge of London’s hospitality scene, with over 5 years in a wine-focused capacity. I am passionate about small-production wines using organic farming and minimal intervention in the winery and am very lucky to have worked at a couple of wineries during the vintage, at a boutique Chianti Classico producer and with a Barossa Valley garagiste. Hard work, great fun and invaluable learning experiences.

My favourite wine regions are the Languedoc and the Roussillon in SE France – areas brimming with potential, young and exciting producers, and a source of good value, well-made wine. I also love grower Champagne, Mosel Riesling and Burgundy, and I can often be found quaffing real ale, new wave craft beer and single malt Scotch whisky.

Outside of wine I am a keen cyclist and have completed various cycling challenges including riding the length of Ireland and Portugal, and cycling from London to Paris in 24 hours.

Matt Hares – Assistant Manager, Kew

Having been born and raised at the foot of the South Downs in Sussex, I have grown up in what's perhaps the UK's most accomplished wine region surrounded by a number of stellar English producers. As a young man I always enjoyed a celebratory tipple on special occasions growing up. But I fell in love while on the Mornington Peninsula in Australia, visiting several inspiring producers and getting properly immersed in viticulture.

I'm a lover of both the Old and New worlds, with a preference for more classical styles, but hey, I'm open. If I were forced to choose a favourite, I'd have to go for Burgundy – maybe Vosne. The sheer finesse and elegance of the wines on offer, while still being so voluptuous and expressive. Delightful!

Halle Stephens – Wine Advisor, Kew

My passion for wines started young when I worked picking grapes for small wineries in the Okanagan Valley. Each time I go home to visit I am reminded of the beautiful microclimate and how great the wines are. My vocation in wine came later while running a wine bar in West London. I fell down the rabbit hole, immersed myself in wine studies and have not looked back since.

I am drawn to travel & learning about other cultures which I think stemmed from my formative years abroad and moving to Japan at 16 years old. Wherever I found myself whether it be Spain, France, Slovakia, Turkey, Greece & on, I discovered food and drink was a direct line to the heart of the culture. I found it gave you a window into a country’s soul.

Working in the wine industry combines elements of all things that make me happy: travel, wine, culture, food, learning.... I mean what's not to love. When not working or traveling you can find me at my allotment pretending I know how to garden.