At EWGA Wines, we pride ourselves on the strong relationships we build—not just with our customers and supply partners, but within our own team. And today, we have a very special interview to share—a great read for many of you who have known and worked with us over the years, as we’re celebrating an incredible milestone:
Janette McLaughlin’s 25th work anniversary with EWGA Wines!
Janette joined the company back in 2000 as our very first dedicated member of the sales team. Since then, she has played a pivotal part in shaping our business into what it is today, while also helping with what feels like thousands of other things along the way! She’s an irreplaceable team member, valued and respected by colleagues, customers, and supply partners alike.
A proud Yorkshire lass, Janette first moved to the Lakes to complete a Hospitality Degree and quickly fell in love with the area. After graduating and spending time travelling around Australasia, she spent the early part of her working life in hospitality before finding her home with EWGA.
Today, as our Sales Director, her passion for wine, dedication to her customers, and leadership continue to drive our business forward.
We’re thrilled to sit down with Janette and look back on her remarkable journey, celebrating a career—and a person—that has truly shaped EWGA Wines.
Let’s dive in and hear her story…
The Beginnings of a Career in Wine
So, Janette, let’s start at the beginning—what’s your story? How did you first get into the wine industry?
I worked for Reg Gifford, a true hotelier from Grasmere, at both his Wordsworth Hotel and also as his PA at Michael’s Nook, a boutique hotel that gained a Michelin Star during my time there. Whilst there, I got involved in the wine list and was fascinated when we suddenly got deliveries of wines from Bordeaux that he’d bought en primeur. This sparked my interest in this fascinating and highly enjoyable subject.
What brought you to EWGA Wines 25 years ago, and what’s kept you here all this time?
After several years working at Michael’s Nook, I felt that it was time for a change, and I was looking for something that would give me more regular working hours as I was planning to get married to a chef. We hoped to have a family and thought that both working split shifts might make this difficult. During my time at Michael’s Nook, I met EWGA’s MD, Adrian, who sold wine to Reg Gifford and organised a very enjoyable visit to Langlois Chateau in the Loire Valley. I decided to give him a ring and ask him for a job. The rest, as they say, is history!!
Working at EWGA Wines
What’s a typical day at work like for you? Walk us through it.
I spend the majority of my time at Head Office these days, where I get involved with operations and morning briefings most days. We are a fun and dynamic team where everyone is focused on getting the job done with a smile on their face. I check in with the off-site sales team on a regular basis, and of course, have customers that I look after myself. No two days are the same, we might be appraising new wines one day and working on our environmental policies on others. I’ve even been known to clean out a U-bend or two. It’s fair to say that there’s never a dull moment!
How has your role as an account manager changed since you joined?
When I first joined the company, I was the only salesperson, except for Adrian himself. I was given the list of wines they sold and a car, and a list of a few customers to visit and off I went. I still remember my first sale to Alfredo Fenandez at Lyzzick Hall and the buzz it gave me! As the company has expanded over the years, so has my role, and I now oversee the sales team as well as other parts of the operation.
What do you enjoy most about working at EWGA?
I enjoy the whole wine industry. It has given me the opportunity to meet passionate and talented winemakers, travel to various countries around the world and build long-lasting relationships with both suppliers and customers, as well as work alongside some great people. Wine is an amazing natural product that is a reflection of the environment it is made in, as well as the talent of the grape growers and winemakers. It isn’t manufactured, it is grown and nurtured by great people with real stories to tell.
Building relationships is such a big part of being an account manager. What’s your secret to keeping those connections strong?
I think trust and honesty are essential. Many relationships with clients have lasted for the whole of my time at EWGA. I like to think this is down to the advice, support and quality of wine and service that has been built up by myself and the long-serving team at EWGA. I very much have a can-do attitude, and having worked in hospitality businesses before entering the wine trade, I know that having the support of a supply partner who will answer their phone out of normal office hours is always appreciated.
How do you help your clients navigate our wine selection and find the perfect fit for their needs?
I like to get an understanding of each customer and their business and team before making recommendations on a wine selection. We don’t operate a one-size-fits-all approach. Each customer has different needs, and we offer a bespoke package.
In your opinion, what makes EWGA Wines special in such a competitive market?
We love what we do and care passionately about our customers and how we look after them. We’ve been with people through thick and thin and often shared life milestones. We don’t sell the cheapest wine we could buy; there are other people to do that, but we have built up a range at all price points that we know offers excellent value for money. What’s more, we do business in the most sustainable way possible, taking advantage of our purpose-built bonded warehouse facilities and using rail freight from Europe where possible and deep sea in full containers. Together with our carbon-neutral warehouse and office, and a fleet of electric cars, we are proud of the ISO14001 Environmental Management System accreditation and the contribution we are making to keeping the planet healthy for the generations to come.
The Wine Industry
You’ve been in the industry for a while—what’s changed the most since you started?
The industry has changed a lot. When I started selling in and around the Lake District 25 years ago, the landscape was one of owner operators and country house hotels, a lot of whom had a great interest in wine, the people who make it and the stories that go with it. As the wine drinking public has become more familiar, they often know what grape variety they prefer and therefore stay safe by choosing what they know rather than adventuring further, which is a shame.
For someone thinking about a career in the wine industry, what advice would you give?
It’s a fascinating trade to be involved with. I’d far rather be selling wine than widgets. Our products come with stories and experiences that turn into enjoyment for the people who open the bottles. It’s not just the selling side though, purchasing, marketing, logistics and finance are all an integral part of any business, but I would argue more enjoyable with a product like ours. The people involved in wine make it special, too. A job in the wine trade may never make you a millionaire, but there are far worse ways to spend your time.
Personal Favourites and Memorable Moments
Looking back over your time here, is there a particular moment or experience that stands out to you?
Gosh! What a question! How long have we got? Flying over the Rhone Valley by helicopter (twice – long story) and understanding the terroir of Hermitage Hill. Travelling through the vineyards of Chile, wedged between two enormous Antarctic climbing boots (another long story) and sharing the history and stories of the South of France, seeing the vineyards of Domaine Ferrandiere flooded with water (on purpose) and the soils of Domaine Nicole with oyster shells and understanding reasons for it. I could go on, but it’s fair to say I’ve been very fortunate and have met some lovely people and tasted some amazing wines.
Do you have a favourite wine or wine region that you’re especially passionate about?
Not really, it depends on the mood and occasion. I’m not drinking as much red as I used to (I blame the menopause) but I really enjoy a richer style of white, Chardonnay from the Languedoc offers excellent quality and value for money and oak-aged white Rioja has layers of complexity and interest.
What’s your go-to food and wine pairing?
There have been some memorable food matches over the years. Chavignol cheese paired with Sancerre from Chateau de Sancerre was perfect, and apple tart, fine with a 10-year-old Ramos Pinot Tawny Port, was also very memorable.
If you could sit down and share a glass of wine with anyone—past or present—who would it be, and why?
Wouldn’t it be amazing to sit down with some of the early names in the winemaking world? I bet sharing a glass of Champagne with Madame Clicquot and talking about her advances in winemaking and how she discovered the best way to make Champagne clear would be a fascinating thing to do!
Final Thoughts
Janette’s 25-year journey with EWGA is a testament to her passion, commitment, and deep knowledge of the wine industry. From her early days in hospitality to leading and growing the sales team, she has played a key role in shaping the company’s success—and she’s done it all with unwavering dedication, heart, and humour.
Wow, what an incredible interview and a fascinating insight into 25 years in the wine trade!
Janette’s story—from flying over the Rhône Valley by helicopter to navigating vineyards in Chile wedged between Antarctic climbing boots—paints a vivid picture of a career packed with adventure, learning, and genuine connections. What really shines through is her deep commitment to people, whether they are customers, suppliers, or colleagues. Her philosophy of trust, honesty, and a can-do attitude is a huge part of why so many have stayed loyal to EWGA for decades.
And let’s be honest—her dream of sharing a glass of Champagne with Madame Clicquot is one we would all love to join in on!
Janette’s insights remind us that working in wine isn’t just about selling and lists—it’s about stories, passion, and bringing people together. It’s clear she’s not just selling wine—she’s creating connections that matter.
We hope you enjoyed this interview as much as we did! Let us know your thoughts—we’d love to hear your feedback. Stay tuned for more.
