Meet The People Behind The Wine

We specialise in bringing award-winning, value-for-money wines to you, direct from the winery. With vineyard assets in New Zealand’s famous Marlborough winegrowing region, we also produce wines from Central Otago and import some amazing Australian wines from regions such as The Barossa and Margaret River.

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James Leary
James Leary

Owner & Export Manager

Raised at Kingfisher Lodge — a renowned fishing retreat owned by his father — James grew up with a natural appreciation for the outdoors, hospitality, and wine.

He began his professional life in finance as a treasury asset manager, but in 2008, he took the leap into wine, investing in a vineyard in Marlborough. After moving to the UK, he spent his weeks in finance and his weekends selling New Zealand wine at festivals as “The Antipodean Sommelier.” A chance meeting with Tony in 2010 led to a powerful partnership, and by 2011, their passion project became a full-time business. James launched the Snapper Rock wine label — named after his father’s favourite fishing spot — and returned to New Zealand in 2015 to focus on the vineyard and raise a family. Today, James leads production and export sales across global markets. We hope you enjoy our wines as much as we do.

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Tony Wellings
Tony Wellings

Owner & Managing Director

With over two decades in the global wines and spirits industry, Tony began his journey at Seagram as a Trainee Sales Executive — where he developed a deep-rooted passion for wine (and got his first company car, a trusty Ford Escort Estate 1.3L).

His career progressed through senior roles at Paul Vranken, Allied Domecq, and Pernod Ricard, where he honed a love for New World wines and developed the ambition to build something of his own.

In 2010, he partnered with James Leary to bring boutique wines from exceptional emerging producers to a wider audience. The Antipodean Sommelier was born — a business built on expertise, integrity, and shared vision.

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Anna Leary
Anna Leary

Production & Logistics

With a background in advertising and brand strategy for major companies including Sky TV and Samsung, Anna brings over 15 years of commercial expertise to The Antipodean Sommelier.

Her strength in marketing, sales, and governance supports the team’s success in delivering premium New Zealand wine to discerning customers across the UK.

After meeting James in London, she joined him in selling wine at festivals — a venture that evolved into a family business. Today, Anna focuses on the logistics and operational success of the brand, balancing work, family life, and their energetic labradoodle.

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Richard Walley
Richard Walley

Sales - South West UK

Richard’s journey in wine began in 1994, working at a local independent wine shop — a role that sparked both a lasting appreciation for wine and a wry empathy for Basil Fawlty.

Over the years, he’s worn many hats across the trade: from running his own wholesale business to partnering with independent retailers, specialist distributors, and boutique importers.

In 2020, Richard joined The Antipodean Sommelier, drawn to its curated portfolio and hands-on ethos. He thrives on working with small producers who craft wines with personality and story. As he puts it, “The wines speak for themselves — I simply act as the messenger.”

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Suze Heinrich
Suze Heinrich

NZ - Based Expat & Trade Support

A global explorer turned New Zealand local, Suze brings international insight, warmth, and a sense of adventure to everything she does.

For the past three years, she’s played an integral role in supporting the brand’s growth — blending her passion for quality with hands-on support across logistics and events.

Each year, Suze returns to the UK to assist at trade shows and reconnect with her roots. Back home, you’ll often find her off-grid in the family motorhome, making memories with her young family and embracing the beauty of the New Zealand landscape.