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Meet the Team
OUR PHILOSOPHY
As an Independent Wine Merchant we hope that the freedom we enjoy when choosing wines is reflected in variety, quality and style. We hope we are not too serious, but hope to show that we take wine seriously. As the only way to find out about wine, is to drink wine – we hope to encourage you to come to our tastings, try the ever changing Guest Wines at the PopUp Bar and to buy our wines.
Ranulf Middleton
The Boss
Not sure where or when Ranulf’s interest and love of all things wine began, but aiming to work in Harrods Wine Department started in his teens. Eventually getting a job there, his training and development began. After a few years he moved to The Boozy Rouge on the Kings Road, London – more development and drinking of wine.After a spell in the wilderness Ranulf came back to the trade, starting D’Arcy Wine Merchants in 2006. As well as running the business, Ranulf leads most of the Wine Tastings, sources and buys the wine – enjoys the wine and talking to people about wine!
Georgia Middleton
The LynchPin
Georgia developed her love of wine quite young – spicy Rioja’s being one of her first fav’s. Red wine is still preferred, but Georgia is happy to try variety, so Shiraz, juicy Californian Pinot Noir, Primitivo and many, many more hit the spot. Georgia is our chief spirits buyer, her knowledge built up from running restaurants & cocktail bars. Deliveries, wine menus, running the bar, choosing wines for events, staff training – In House and at customers venues, all part of her daily whirl. Making sure Ranulf is under control is a full time job really, and that’s only one of her roles.
Merlin Middleton
Jack of all Trades
Merlin discovered that Pinotage is his go to wine, but does seem to like a glass of Rose too – although beer frequently features, especially when watching Villa play. Having worked for many years in hospitality & catering, Merlin knows his way around food & wine. Merlin is responsible for all the purchasing, making sure the selves are full of wine, making sure there is wine to sell. Sorts the warehouse, helps in the shop, sends out orders, answers the phone, tastes the wine, - all other jobs seem to entail drills, hammers, ladders and a bit of muscle. Not sure what we would do without him.
Hope Howells
The Bones
Known as the Rose Queen for many years, Hope is now developing a taste for the lighter red wines, especially Italian Pinot Noir and Lebanese Carignan – and probably quite a few other wine styles as well. Almost forgot, she rather likes Champagne too.The Shop, website and most things retail fall under Hope’s control – the boys tread carefully in these areas. Dreaming up tastings, writing the wine notes, sharing on social media – all part of the job, and all require tasting.
Johnny Ilnicki
The Go To Guy
Very knowledgeable and partial to a drop of anything French – wine that is. Having run front of house for Petit Coco for a number of years, he knows his way around a French menu – both food & wine. At portfolio tastings he has far more to say about the French offerings – woe betide if they don’t reach his standards!! Johnny always has a smile, which is perfect when calling on customers, both new and established. His enthusiasm in dealing with people is limitless. He still helps out occasionally with deliveries, with tech problems around the office & warehouse – in fact if there’s a problem – Ask Johnny!
Georgia Wood
The Get It There Guy
Yes, we have two Georgia’s – very confusing! Georgia has worked in hospitality for a number of years, both in the kitchen and front of house. Her wine knowledge has grown along with her food and catering expertise. Georgia is partial to a drop of Albarino, but also likes Viognier, she feels it’s time to expand into red wines, to continue her journey of exploration. At this point, a Dirty Martini is the fav!Georgia Wood is our delivery driver, making sure the wine is delivered with a smile. Georgia likes to get involved in the office, warehouse, bar, events – you name it, Georgia likes getting involved.
