Meet the team

Alasdair - Owner

Alasdair is a farmer and businessman, born and raised in West Dorset, his family having a long history of farming and cider-making, with his Great Grandfather having established Warren's Cider in the 1920s.

Educated at the University of Nottingham with a BSc in Geology, Alasdair left Dorset in the late 1980s to pursue a career in investment banking, whilst always maintaining strong ties with Dorset and taking over the family farm about 25 years ago. 

In September 2023, Alasdair purchased Bride Valley Vineyard from the Spurrier family, with the aim to further develop the vineyard by applying innovative viticultural practices.  Alasdair also owns Slapelands Farm, just outside Bridport, where he upholds his family's cider making tradition, using hertitage cider apples grown in the orchard there. 

Alasdair's aim is to continue his deep-rooted farming connection with Dorset, investing in the local community and environment whilst also building upon his family's rich farming legacy to produce wines and cider of distinctive character and outstanding quality.

Mark - Vineyard Manager

Mark joined Bride Valley in June 2025 having spent the previous 6 years at Davenport Vineyards in Kent. Learning the viticulture and process from a long proven expert, the cycle of growing the best grapes possible from the importance of pruning to set the vines through to the management and growth during the season as the vines build towards harvest.
Mark brings a practical, thoughtful approach to vine health and fruit quality, combining careful land stewardship with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities of English wine. He is supported by an experienced 5-person vineyard team, that have been with Bride Valley for many years.

 

Anna - Tour Manager

Anna’s passion for wine began in the 90s when as a student she spent time studying Literature in California and in her spare time discovering the glorious vineyards of Sonoma and Napa Valley! Trips to Australia’s Barossa and Clare Valley, where she enjoyed the experience of tours & tastings, would also one day inspire her to become part of the English wine industry.

A career in luxury lifestyle PR in London followed, working for well-known brands such as Berry Brothers & Rudd and Raymond Blanc. A chance meeting in the early 2000s with a Frenchman who ran a successful wine bar in Brighton lead to her discovery of Plumpton College’s Wine School. Inspired by the quality of English sparkling wine being produced, Anna studied for a degree in viticulture & oenology and enjoyed a vintage in Tuscany. Following her degree she became involved with promoting the English wine industry through various shows and festivals such as the BBC Good Food Show, Glynde Food & English Wine Festival and Sussex food festivals.

A move to Dorset nine years ago led to her finally fulfilling her dream from the 90s (without having to move to Australia!) of becoming a vineyard tour guide. 

Leila - Production & Support

After five years at Lyme Bay Winery – working her way up from the shop floor to Head of Purchasing & Planning – Leila knows the wine world inside out. From stock control and spreadsheets to tours and tastings, she’s seen it all, and brings a unique mix of organisation, curiosity, and customer-friendly charm to Bride Valley. She has a knack for streamlining processes (and a soft spot for a well-structured Excel report), but it’s her enthusiasm for learning and love of the industry that really shine through. Away from the vineyard, you’ll likely find her apron-clad in her kitchen, creating the MOST delicious cakes - needless to say, Leila is now 'Head of birthday cakes' in the office!

George - Customer Service & Event Support

George supports customer service and events at Bride Valley, where his naturally friendly and upbeat approach helps us deliver tip top customer service. Whether packing your wines for delivery or meeting you at markets and events, George is always on hand to make sure everything runs smoothly and customers feel well looked after.