Meet the Team
Who are Swig? The clue is in our name - we are for wine lovers not wine snobs. We’re a bunch of misfits looking for undiscovered wines that punch above their weight. We’re all about the pleasure of discovering, drinking and sharing great wine. We are on a mission to discover amazing wines made by amazing people in amazing places. Above everything we love wine and are here to help.
Swig has been championing independent growers since 1997. We work with family-owned producers, the majority are organic or focusing on farming and working more responsibly each year, and we are certified with the Organic Food Federation. We are a small and occasionally effective team united by the love of the odd glass or two with a large platter of fodder. Meet the crew behind the chaos below!
ROBIN DAVIS - Founder
Ever since I started in wine I've loved to make it accessible and fun. I like to take people on a journey to help them discover exciting wines they might not otherwise find.
My mentor got me tasting wines blind, which leads you to think about the taste, not the label, and has led me to some great finds that punch above their weight. It also means we don't just take on famous names for the sake of it, and one of my greatest joys is to discover an up and coming producer and introduce them to customers and see the them flourish.
NELSON PARI - Italian Wine Buyer
I was born in the Fellini-esque city of Rimini in 1989. I moved to the UK to pursue my studies in Jazz Guitar, and after completing my master's degree at Trinity Laban in Greenwich, I landed a job at 67 Pall Mall. For the past five years, I have been working there as a sommelier, event supervisor, and wine buyer. Swig has always been my favourite wine supplier since those early days!
I frequently travel for tastings and masterclasses between London and various locations in Italy where I run a small, publication called "Verticale," where I explore the potential of aged Italian wines with a group of renowned wine critics.
My favourite wine is 1989 Mouton Rothschild, paired with Miles Davis' Blue in Green.
LUDOVICA PILOT - Trade director
Misfits you say? Born in Italy - Verona to be precise - I grew up between there and the land down-under where my Ozzie family live. From a young age my parents shared their love for travelling and I’ve had a suitcase at the ready pretty much since! I moved to the UK to study a BA in philosophy and, after 3 years of pondering, figured out my ultimate philosophy is that life gets better when there’s wine! I worked for over 10 years in hospitality and moved from events to marketing to managing hotels and wine bars.
Eventually my passion for wine has lead me to join swig and the London trade sales. Wine for me connects all the dots - it allows you to travel to beautiful places and to learn about geography, geology, history and culture. And most importantly to connect with people! Both on the winemaking side and also in hospitality - the conviviality of wine is what makes it so special.
KATE ROBINSON - Private Client Sales
Fresh out of university I joined my local wine merchant in Bath and was hooked immediately on all things wine. After a stint at a well-known fine wine merchant focusing on wines to lay down, I went back to my roots in Bath. Roll on another decade and here I am thoroughly enjoying the delights that Swig has to offer and recommending these absolute gems to private customers. I love it!
I live in the Wiltshire countryside, close to Bath, with my gorgeous family. Life is busy with three young children, but we love finding time to relax with friends, travel, visit the coast and generally have lots of adventures and make wonderful memories.
BEN PATRICK - Private Client Sales
Being the wine guy is great. Amongst my friends and family (and foes) I am ‘Ben the wine guy’ and there isn’t really any other label I’d wear with such glee.
My entry point was working in a hotel bar whilst at Uni, the hotel is quite wine orientated and I spent far too much time there. Whilst that probably hampered the studying, it did guide me to discover the passion and fascination for wine which now holds me with a tight grip. I’d never enjoyed studying really, but studying in the wine trade (currently doing my WSET diploma) blew my head off; IT’S POSSIBLE TO ENJOY STUDYING AND MAKING NOTES.
Mental stuff. Well, now 6 years into a career in wine, I find myself lucky enough to be here at Swig. Proper wine, proper people and just such enthusiasm for wine in all its avenues, I am so thrilled to be here surrounded by equally bonkers and bright eyed people.
AMJULY DEL CARPIO - Private Client Customer Executive
From the volcano city of Arequipa, Peru, where my husband and I pioneered the first Peruvian cider, to our bold move across the seas to his homeland, England, my journey has been nothing short of exhilarating. Every step has been infused with the excitement of discovery and the allure of new beginnings. Captivated by the world of wines from the very first sip, I embraced my newfound passion and honed my skills to become a wine professional in the UK.
At Swig, where exceptional wines abound, it's the tales behind each label that truly enchant me. Through wine, I've discovered a universal language that connects us all. Here's to the camaraderie, the laughter, and the endless adventures yet to come. Salud to the wonderful world of wine!
ANNABEL VIRTUE - Trade Sales
On a camping holiday in France as an 8 yr old, Annabel told the waiter in a local brasserie NOT to add water to her thimble of red wine, as is customary for French children. This was clearly a sign to find a job in the wine industry.
Her wine journey started at Decanter magazine, followed by working for various UK wine suppliers, until joining Swig.
When not cradling a glass of something delicious from the Swig portfolio, Annabel is either on her bike, out rowing or paddleboarding on the river or up a mountain somewhere remote. As long as life is full of great wine, great food and great friends, she’s happy.
WSET qualified, Annabel looks after our on trade customers outside of London.
NICOLE STUBBS - Head of Customer Support
I’m a born and bred South African so I’m sure to recognise a good wine when I taste one. My love of good wine lead me to work in the industry when I came to the UK more than a decade ago, and I’ve continued to grow my knowledge since then. I’m back now after taking a break to give birth to a gorgeous baby girl, and I’m so excited to join the Swig team for a new adventure. My passions in life are family and travelling to new destinations with my hubby to sample new wines and delicacies from different cultures. We saffers are hedonistic by nature and of course we love the sun, but no matter the British weather you’ll find us cooking meat on the braai (that’s a BBQ folks) and drinking high quality wines all year round.