Every review, article, and guide on OakyWine.Club is written by our dedicated team of spirits journalists and industry experts. We taste, research, and write independently — our opinions are never for sale.
Joe Whitfield
Editor-in-Chief
Speciality: London Dry, Distillery Heritage, Industry Analysis, Spirits Editorial
Joe has spent over fifteen years immersed in the wine industry, beginning his career at a boutique vineyard in the Cotswolds before moving into drinks journalism. As Editor-in-Chief at OakyWine.Club, he oversees editorial output spanning wine reviews, guides, and industry analysis. He is passionate about preserving the craft traditions that define each wine region while making wine journalism accessible to newcomers and connoisseurs alike. He holds a Diploma in Wine from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and has judged at the International Wine & Spirit Competition.
Ash Carrington
Reviews Editor
Speciality: Natural Wine, Orange Wine, Skin-Contact, Asian Wine, Craft Winemaking
Ash brings a global palate to the team, having spent five years based in Singapore and Tokyo exploring the rapidly evolving Asian wine scene — from Japanese Koshu and Chinese Ningxia reds to the emerging natural wine bars across Southeast Asia. As Reviews Editor at OakyWine.Club, his reviews are known for their precision and accessibility — he believes a great review should help you decide whether a bottle belongs on your shelf. Before joining, Ash wrote for several food and drink publications across Southeast Asia and holds a Level 3 Award in Wines from WSET.
Bishop Mercer
News & Industry Editor
Speciality: Industry News, Awards Coverage, Market Trends, Spirits Business
Bishop covers the business side of wine with the curiosity of a journalist and the knowledge of an insider. Based in Edinburgh, he has built an extensive network of contacts across producers and wineries worldwide, making him one of the first to report on new releases, acquisitions, and industry shifts. He handles news and industry coverage across OakyWine.Club and Whiskeyful.com. He previously worked in communications for Diageo before switching to editorial, and contributes to several trade publications.
David Thornton
Guides & Education Writer
Speciality: Cocktail Culture, Tasting Technique, Spirits Education, Mixology
David is a qualified sommelier turned writer who believes the best way to appreciate any wine is to understand it. His guides span wine regions, grape varieties, and tasting technique — from beginner-friendly introductions through to advanced food pairing and winemaking science. He writes educational content for OakyWine.Club. He ran the wine programme at a Michelin-starred restaurant in London for six years before dedicating himself to writing full-time. His first book, "The Grape Trail", is due for publication next year.
Walter Graves
Features & Culture Writer
Speciality: Spirits History, Travel, Distillery Profiles, Culture & Heritage
Walter writes long-form features that explore the stories behind wine — the people, places, and terroir that give each bottle its character. A former travel journalist, he has visited over two hundred wineries across thirty countries spanning Old World, New World, and emerging wine regions. He contributes features and culture pieces across OakyWine.Club and Whiskeyful.com. His writing has appeared in Condé Nast Traveller, Monocle, and The World of Fine Wine.
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