The Wine Trade Sports Club

Nathan Last has worked in the UK wine trade since 2002 in various roles for Ernest & Julio Gallo, United Wineries, Vranken Pommery UK and currently Pernod Ricard. Having always had a keen interest in sport, Nathan joined the Wine Trade Sports Club in 2009, initially turning out for the Rugby XV, and then moving on to some of the other sports. You can still find Nathan turning out to play golf, cricket, tennis and occasionally squash; what he lacks in skill he more than makes up for with enthusiasm! As he has gotten older and his ability to play rugby has waned, Nathan has taken a much keener interest in golf and finds many opportunities to play, as the previous WTSC Golf Secretary. He became president in 2021.

Originally from New Zealand, Ants has been heavily involved in the U.K. on-trade for over 20 years. In that time he has covered both regional and national business management roles within Boutinot, Bibendum & MCW and currently as Managing Director at Enotria & Coe. With both professional and family experience in wine making & hospitality, he’s at home in the constantly changing and competitive U.K. food & drink scene. A keen sportsman and devoted father, his spare time is spent helping the Wine Trade Sports Club as treasurer, or on the side line of a football pitch somewhere in Surrey.

Kieran joined the club in 2018 when he met a member of the club at a trade show. He’s since become the superstar of the cricket club, compared to Virat Kholi’s power with the style of Brian Lara and the good looks and charm of Brad Pitt. He’s strong on the social, sometimes leading the team into dangerous waters. He’s recently been appointed Membership Secretary, but we’re keeping a close eye on him for now.

Flora Stobart’s interest in the wine trade started in in 2012 during a summer working in the Gonzalez Byass bodega in Jerez, Spain. Since joining Pernod Ricard in 2016 and having worked across the On & Off Trade Flora has most recently joined the wine marketing team. When it comes to sports she is happiest either cycling around London (on a very old bike!) or playing tennis come rain or shine. Flora is looking forward to joining the WTSC Committee; helping to increase membership and raise money for the charity.

Joining the club in 2024 as Social and Membership Secretary, Hetty works for Jeroboams and is never known to turn up to anything without a bottle of wine or two. Hetty was drawn to the club after getting involved in the first WTSC rounders match in summer 2024. Despite a love of a casual tennis rally, her main sport of choice is still swirling a glass of wine with other wine trade friends.

Freddie has been a working member of the Wine and Drinks Trade since 2017 but made his debut for the Wine Trade Sports Club in the noughties as a young ringer for the cricket team. His professional experience spans companies like Aresti Wines in Santiago, Mendozan winery Bodega Los Toneles and Freixenet Copestick while he is currently working as Head of Sales at Nicholson. Freddie is an avid squash, golf and cricket player and is enjoying gettinFreddie has been a working member of the Wine and Drinks Trade since 2017 but made his debut for the Wine Trade Sports Club in the noughties as a young ringer for the cricket team. His professional experience spans companies like Aresti Wines in Santiago, Mendozan winery Bodega Los Toneles and Freixenet Copestick while he is currently working as Head of Sales at Nicholson. Freddie is an avid squash, golf and cricket player and is enjoying getting involved with new sports to the club like Pádel. g involved with new sports to the club like Pádel.

Grace has spent the last 9 years at Pernod Ricard in the commercial team working across wine & spirits. Grace is most likely to be spotted either over-hitting a volley on the tennis court, with a clipboard at the rounders social or selling you raffle tickets at the Quiz. Grace is excited about what the next few years hold for the WTSC and is committed to diversifying our sports & membership.

James Read has worked in the UK fine wine trade for 15 years in various roles and has played for the Wine Trade Squash team since 2002. He plays all manner of racket sports, is especially keen on squash and tennis and dabbles in golf when the weather allows it. James has recently finished his two year stint as President of the sports Club so is focussing on the next Wine Trade Walk on September 18th 2021 in memory of Simon Leschallas.

Jim Thompson has been in the wine trade since 2013 working for Jeroboams, Astrum Wine Cellars, Enotria and now for Champagne Jacquart and Montaudon. Having played sport all his life, Jim jumped into the Wine Trade Sports Club as soon as he could. Jim’s focus in the club is Cricket and he is now cricket secretary. He still likes to try his hand at golf always hoping to improve! He is ably assisted by a number of match managers to ensure a good turn out for all fixtures..

Murray Neilson has been involved in the Wine Trade since leaving University in 1998, originally in hospitality, and then on the brand side since 2003. In the early days, he was heavily involved in a number of sports including rugby, football, cricket, cycling, tennis and golf. However, as work and age catch up, participation over the past few years has dwindled so that the focus is now firmly on golf, cricket, tennis and (not enough) cycling. Murray has previously helped with the membership but is now Golf Secretary.

Nick Jamieson has been working in the wine trade since 2012 and shortly afterwards joined the Wine Trade Sport Club. Having played throughout school and university years, Nick now has the honour of being the WTSC Squash Secretary! The season runs from October to April and we play against a variety of teams, established Clubs and companies with an obligatory dinner and wine tasting after every match!