Everything we do at Palate is shaped by the people behind it.
Our team brings together strategic marketing expertise, creative thinking, and deep wine and drinks knowledge — working closely with you as an extension of your business to build brands that connect and grow.
Ashley
Ashley brings a strategic, insight-led approach to wine and drinks marketing, combining commercial thinking with creative brand storytelling. With experience spanning global brands and independent producers, she specialises in building meaningful consumer connections that drive long-term growth.
Go to drink (with or without alcohol):
A beautifully expressive grower Champagne – or a well-made margarita, salt rim essential.
A grape variety you’ll always come back to:
Chenin Blanc, for its versatility, sense of place and ability to surprise.
A place you’d love to explore through its drink culture:
Japan; for its precision, craftsmanship and deeply rooted drinking traditions.
Katie
Katie brings 10 years of copywriting and marketing experience, having worked with brands such as Sweaty Betty, Diageo, and Majestic Wine. Katie brings to life the Tone of Voice of a brand, across social media, website, blogs, and adverts, helping them standout and make an impact while staying unique.
Go to drink (with or without alcohol):
A South African Chardonnay, preferably from the Elgin region – or a Negroni.
A grape variety you’ll always come back to:
Albariño. Living in Spain gave me a new appreciation for this grape. A glass of this takes me right back to the south coast. And don’t get me started on the aged impressions…
A place you’d love to explore through its drink culture:
I have two: Georgia for its history and New Zealand because… it’s New Zealand. I’m drawn not only to the diversity of the regions, but the amazing hiking and running trails, too.
Jodie
Jodie is an award‑winning graphic designer specialising in wine branding, label design and packaging for the drinks industry. With over 20 years experience delivering strategic, engaging design from initial concept through to print production, Jodie combines deep industry knowledge with strong creative direction to help brands tell their story visually and commercially. She runs a boutique creative studio and works with Palate on a freelance basis. Her work has been recognised for multiple Design Awards and has helped elevate both established and emerging beverage start ups. Prior to launching her own studio, Jodie led in‑house creative teams on global wine brands, bringing expertise in brand strategy, creative direction, illustration, typography and print management.
Go to drink (with or without alcohol):
English sparkling, every time! I’m currently enjoying drinking (an making) Kombucha… watch this space!
A grape variety you’ll always come back to:
Riesling – for its strong expression of terroir!
A place you’d love to explore through its drink culture:
Latin America is high on my list – I plan one day to tour in a campervan and take in the wonderful flora and fauna.
Chris
Chris brings strategic and commercial expertise from a career leading marketing activity and campaigns that deliver awareness, consumer engagement and sales. With experience in full-service marketing agencies, Chris specialises in marketing strategy and storytelling that builds brands and drives long-term customer relationships.
Go to drink (with or without alcohol):
An English Sparkling, Blanc de Blancs, with a perfect blend of minerality and toasty richness.
A grape variety you’ll always come back to:
Chardonnay, for its breadth of expressions, across regions and winemaking.
A place you’d love to explore through its drink culture:
South Africa, and it’s been on the list for a while. I’d love to work through the regions, sample some old vine Chenin Blanc, discover more about Pinotage, and everything else South Africa offers (and maybe catch some cricket while I’m out there too).
Chris
Chris is a highly skilled web developer and digital marketing analyst, with experience spanning a wide variety of B2B and B2C industries. He consults with us on a freelance basis, bringing a holistic, data-driven mindset to companies’ SEO, website rebuilds, digital marketing campaigns, and overall business development strategies.
Go to drink (with or without alcohol):
Whisky or whiskey – and yes, I know the difference! An Old Fashioned on a sophisticated night out, or a smooth Single Malt on a relaxing night in.
A grape variety you’ll always come back to:
Gellewza! I discovered it for the first time when holidaying in Malta and instantly fell in love with it.
A place you’d love to explore through its drink culture:
Central and Latin America, for so many reasons. Mezcal. Aguardiente. Rum. Pisco. Cachaça – and of course several phenomenal wine regions too! I better bring my laptop with me…