Event Details

ICAEW South West: Behind the business - the real stories behind regional brands | 17 September 2026

£45.00 + VAT

Available

In Person

South West

South & South West Region

Sep

Thu

18:00

20:30 BST

Schedule Type Title: Weekdays

Schedule Description: Hosted by Kelli Coxhead, owner and founder of both The Wine Tasting Company and The Wine Shop and joined by Luke Ford of the Sutton Ridge Vineyard, Ne

Sessions: 1

Session Hours: 2.50

Zoom Passcode: [email protected]

The Watershed
The Watershed 1 Canon's Road
Bristol, Gloucestershire BS1 5TX

Description

Hosted by Kelli Coxhead, owner and founder of both The Wine Tasting Company and The Wine Shop and joined by Luke Ford of the Sutton Ridge Vineyard, Ned Awty of Oatey Vineyard and Nick Rose from the Cheddar Gorge Cheese company – this evening is the perfect opportunity to meet, network and hear stories from some of our successful regional brands.

Book here

Description
Speakers
Programme
Cost
Disclaimer

Date and time	Location
17/09/2026 \| 18:00 - 20:30	The Watershed, The Watershed, Bristol, Gloucestershire BS1 5TX

Event information

Kelli, Luke, Ned and Nick will guide you through a wine tasking accompanied with delicious local cheese, along with telling you their personal stories to where they are today.

If you are new to networking, or a seasoned veteran, you are very welcome – members, ACA students and non-members are all invited and we really encourage you to bring clients, co-workers or members of your wider network to the event.

Discover the commercial realities, grit, and innovation behind some of the region’s finest independent brands at this relaxed evening of local cheese and wine tasting.

The evening will be hosted by The Wine Shop, with Kelli Coxhead guiding guests through a carefully curated selection of English wines in a welcoming and informal setting. Guests will have the chance to hear from two local vineyard owners who represent the fresh energy and diversity of the UK wine scene.

Luke Ford of Sutton Ridge brings a story rooted in traditional farming and shaped by diversification into viticulture, offering an inspiring example of innovation and adaptability. Ned Awty of Oatley Vineyard, a second-generation grower, will share a perspective shaped by family heritage, long-term vision and the evolution of a growing business. Together, they will offer insight into an industry that is dynamic, exciting and increasingly important within the UK’s food and drink landscape.

The wines will be paired with artisan cheeses from Nick Rose of the Cheddar Cheese Company, a family-owned producer and the only cheesemaker based in the iconic village of Cheddar. Nick will introduce his cheeses and speak about the heritage, craftsmanship and passion behind producing cheese in one of Britain’s most celebrated food destinations.

Designed to be enjoyable and engaging rather than formal, this event offers a chance to unwind, discover exceptional local produce, meet fellow professionals and hear authentic stories of great British businesses. It promises an evening of tasting, conversation and connection in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Event enquiries

Should you experience any difficulties booking onto the event, please go to our events support page - how to book. If you need assistance making a booking, please contact the Events Information team who will be happy to support with the online booking process. Just click contact us.

Your local event organiser will also be able to assist with any last minute questions if you are unable to reach our Events Information team.

ICAEW event terms and conditions and privacy notice >

Event Organiser: Jen Poulton-Dean

+44 (0)7585 301 389
[email protected]

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About the speakers

Event host
	Kelli Coxhead \| The Wine Tasting Co The Wine Tasting Co was created by Kelli in 2009 out of a passion and love for wine. The Wine Shop followed on 2012 serving both retail and wholesale customers. This passion was born in New Zealand 2006 whilst Kelli was traveling and had the fortune to meet many enthusiastic people who loved talking about their wines. With experience with a London based international wine company and advanced qualifications with WSET (The Wine and Spirit Education Trust) gained, Kelli’s experience developed further back in Bristol. It was then that she decided she wanted bring the passion to others and allow people to enjoy wine as it should be. Love wine, love tasting. “The joy with wine is that there is always so much more to learn. It’s an ever developing subject as more winemakers evolve and create new and exciting wines. Our aim is to demystify the subject and bring wine to you to be enjoyed as it should be.”
Speakers
	Luke Ford \| Sutton Ridge Vineyard Luke and Hannah planted Sutton Ridge Vineyard in 2011 when they were aged just 24 on the family farm near Butcombe. The vineyard is located on a gentle south east facing slope overlooking Blagdon Lake in the heart of the Yeo Valley. The vineyard is planted with 2000 vines of 5 different varieties which produce on average 4000-5000 bottles a year consisting of still white, rose, and sparkling wines. The vines are tended entirely by hand throughout the year and grapes picked by a small team of family and friends. Winemaking is completed by contract winemaker Steve Brooksbank who has over 40 vintages of experience in English wine production.
	Ned Awty \| Oatley Vineyard. Two generations of English wine producers, which is quite rare: Oatley is one of the few second-generation vineyards in England. Planted by Iain and Jane in 1986-89 after dropping out of corporate London, their very first wine (1990 vintage) won an international award. Over thirty years later history is repeating as their son Ned and his wife Paula have recently dropped out of successful careers to take over the vineyard and raise their young twins in the idyllic surroundings of Oatley. And make more wine, of course. The wines style is dry, fresh and crisp; with a focus on low intervention growing and winemaking, allowing the quality of the terroir to shine through.
	Nick Rose \| The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company Ltd Nick is a real cheese aficionado. Having swopped finance for fromage 20 years ago, he's worked extensively in cheese across retail, production and events. After 10 years with an award-winning Somerset farm shop and deli, he joined artisan producer ; Bath Soft Cheese where he spent 5 years managing farmers markets and cheese festivals across the UK, including the incredible Borough Market. After a short stint with The Guild Fine Food, (Great Taste and World Cheese Awards), he joined the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co (the last remaining cheesemakers in the village of Cheddar). When he's not hosting dairy and cheese tours, he advises retail customers on sourcing the best artisanal and seasonal cheeses for their counters!

Time	Session
18:00 - 18:15	Arrival
18:15 - 20:00	Guided cheese and wine tasting and insight ‘Behind the businesses’
20:00 - 20:15	Q&A session
20:15 - 20:45	Informal networking
20:45 - 21:00	Event close

Costs

Rate	Cost
ICAEW Member	£40.00 + VAT
Non-Member	£45.00 + VAT

Legal Disclaimer

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) does not endorse or recommend any third-party products, services, or companies mentioned during this event or in related materials. References to any such products, services, or companies are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by ICAEW.

The views and opinions expressed by third-party speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of ICAEW. ICAEW does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, or legality of the content presented by third-party speakers.

For further information or clarification, please contact ICAEW directly.

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Event host
	Kelli Coxhead \| The Wine Tasting Co The Wine Tasting Co was created by Kelli in 2009 out of a passion and love for wine. The Wine Shop followed on 2012 serving both retail and wholesale customers. This passion was born in New Zealand 2006 whilst Kelli was traveling and had the fortune to meet many enthusiastic people who loved talking about their wines. With experience with a London based international wine company and advanced qualifications with WSET (The Wine and Spirit Education Trust) gained, Kelli’s experience developed further back in Bristol. It was then that she decided she wanted bring the passion to others and allow people to enjoy wine as it should be. Love wine, love tasting. “The joy with wine is that there is always so much more to learn. It’s an ever developing subject as more winemakers evolve and create new and exciting wines. Our aim is to demystify the subject and bring wine to you to be enjoyed as it should be.”
Speakers
	Luke Ford \| Sutton Ridge Vineyard Luke and Hannah planted Sutton Ridge Vineyard in 2011 when they were aged just 24 on the family farm near Butcombe. The vineyard is located on a gentle south east facing slope overlooking Blagdon Lake in the heart of the Yeo Valley. The vineyard is planted with 2000 vines of 5 different varieties which produce on average 4000-5000 bottles a year consisting of still white, rose, and sparkling wines. The vines are tended entirely by hand throughout the year and grapes picked by a small team of family and friends. Winemaking is completed by contract winemaker Steve Brooksbank who has over 40 vintages of experience in English wine production.
	Ned Awty \| Oatley Vineyard. Two generations of English wine producers, which is quite rare: Oatley is one of the few second-generation vineyards in England. Planted by Iain and Jane in 1986-89 after dropping out of corporate London, their very first wine (1990 vintage) won an international award. Over thirty years later history is repeating as their son Ned and his wife Paula have recently dropped out of successful careers to take over the vineyard and raise their young twins in the idyllic surroundings of Oatley. And make more wine, of course. The wines style is dry, fresh and crisp; with a focus on low intervention growing and winemaking, allowing the quality of the terroir to shine through.
	Nick Rose \| The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company Ltd Nick is a real cheese aficionado. Having swopped finance for fromage 20 years ago, he's worked extensively in cheese across retail, production and events. After 10 years with an award-winning Somerset farm shop and deli, he joined artisan producer ; Bath Soft Cheese where he spent 5 years managing farmers markets and cheese festivals across the UK, including the incredible Borough Market. After a short stint with The Guild Fine Food, (Great Taste and World Cheese Awards), he joined the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co (the last remaining cheesemakers in the village of Cheddar). When he's not hosting dairy and cheese tours, he advises retail customers on sourcing the best artisanal and seasonal cheeses for their counters!