Hannah Fennelly- Wine Club Manager
In 2020, The Wine Nerd and Wonder Women of Wine conducted the first ever study on gender equality within the wine industry. This highlighted astonishing figures, showing that the industry has a long way to go when it comes to gender equality. In fact, no roles had perceived equality.
Here at Hambledon Vineyard, we are committed to creating gender parity within our workplace. We have an increasing number of female staff members joining our team in all lines of work, from our vineyard team, to hospitality, to marketing. However, we know there is still room for improvement, and we will work on it tirelessly. In this series, we introduce our women of Hambledon.
Hannah started working at Hambledon this summer, and if you are a member of our Wine Club, you may have been lucky enough to meet her!
Could you introduce yourself in a few words?
Hi, I am Hannah. I have been working in the wine industry since graduating university. In retail, wholesale and now at Hambledon. I am also a mum and raising two little future wine lovers: Amelie and Sebastian.
What’s your relationship to wine in general?
I love everything about wine, how it tastes, looks, how it's made and how you never stop learning about it. I find everything about wine and the industry fascinating and I am so grateful that this is my career.
The decisions that led to you working in wine?
I was introduced to wine by my Grandad on a family holiday in the south of France when I was 12, a lovely (half) glass of the local red and I fell in love and never looked back.
I stumbled upon a graduate job after completing my degree in Photography. I had never considered a career in the wine industry. Turns out it was the perfect industry for me.
What or who do you get your inspiration from?
My daughter. I want to show her that she can do anything. That if she works hard she can have a successful career in any industry or job she wants to. That's a huge drive for me.
Who are your role models?
I have worked with some incredible women in my working life so far. There are too many to name them all, so I would say them. Not only role models but they have been a huge support in getting me to where I am today, giving me confidence, cheering me on and teaching me so much.
What would be your advice to young women starting in the industry?
Work hard and have fun! It's a wonderfully sociable industry, networking is key. It opens so many doors to meeting new people, trying new wines and learning more.
Cheers!
