#373 6 Questions with... Emma Wellings

Emma Wellings isn't the sort of person you will know immediately when you see her picture above.  She isn't a winemaker, retailler, distributor or sommelier, but her job, for certain companies, is vital in their success.  Emma, with her colleague Ali, are the two women behind one of the most successful wine PR companies in the UK.  Emma founded Emma Wellings PR in 1999, communicating the message and increasing the profile of new and established wine companies and brands within the UK.  Her clients have included organisations including Napa Valley Vintners, Alsace Wines, producers such as Graham Beck and Piccini and retailers including Somerfield and Slurp, and it is her job to make sure that the right people are exposed to these brands.  Look at her as the cement that holds the wine trade together!  So, to learn a little more about this hidden lady of wine, we asked her six questions...

What got you into wine public relations?
One year as Editorial Assistant at Decanter Magazine on my CV.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
Having not one but two demanding masters to answer to – journalists and clients.

What do you like to drink on a regular basis?
Alcohol.

Do you have any hidden talents?
I’m an accomplished whistler.

What would you do if you weren't in PR?
Write … bake… grow flowers and vegetables …

Name three people, real or fictional, living or dead, that would be guests at your dream dinner party, and what would you be drinking?
Elizabeth 1st and Victoria Beckham – two impressive women who both achieved worldwide recognition – and the irresistible Jimmy McNulty. We would drink Balfour Brut English Sparkling Rosé for patriotic reasons, followed by Provence Rosé because I can’t leave it alone in the summer. I’d serve a Sokol Blosser 2007 Estate Pinot Noir from Oregon with the main course – another great find to come out of North America. And the inevitable whisky chaser for McNulty.

Emma Wellings PR