Discover all about Lay & Wheeler Trading. Lay & Wheeler Trading is a modern fine wine merchant whose expert team are dedicated to providing an ultra-personalised service to our clients. By taking a wine-driven, people-focused approach, our knowledgeable team leverage their deep expertise of the fine wine and cask whisky industry to deliver tailored guidance to help clients build strategic collections and cellars. Our bespoke managed portfolio services are catered to each individual client’s needs and are accompanied by our comprehensive storage solutions. We are committed to transparency and accessibility, and therefore offer our clients exclusive access to incredible allocations, new releases, and unique wine experiences without imposing restrictive spending requirements or management fees.
ALICE SHEPPERD
With a background rooted in hospitality from her teenage years and university days, Alice’s interest in wine was inspired by regular visits from wine reps. She went on to pursue a degree in Wine and Business at Plumpton College, during which time she also served as a judge at the ‘Effervescence du Monde’ in Dijon. Her career began in 2012, working at the Wondering Wine Bar during the London Olympics, which led to a role on the Fine Wine Team at Bibendum. She then became a Fine Wine Trader at Cru World Wine and more recently at Alex Marton Fine Wines. In October 2023, Alice joined former colleagues to head up trading at Lay & Wheeler Trading.
TOBY ROYLE
Toby ‘Dylan’ Royle started his wine career within the walls of London’s oldest department store, Fortnum and Mason. He built his experience managing private wine accounts with a focus on high net worth individuals and corporate clientele. It was during his time at Fortnums that he purchased his first case of Burgundy, an investment which led to a three month crusade around France in a self converted jeep. Whilst travelling he completed his Advanced WSET Exams with Distinction. Toby believes that music is the ultimate wine pairing and as a Bob Dylan fanatic, often speaks in quoted lyrics. Captivating Pinot Noir, Old School German Riesling and First Class Vintage Champagne is where he is focusing his own collection. He’s also passionate about New Era Napas and Hill Side Rhones. Outside of the office Toby feels most at home on the water spending his weekends surfing in Devon and watching as much live sport as possible.
CLEMENTINE MCFARLANE
As part of her degree in French and Politics, Clementine spent six months working at a Chateau in the Loire Valley from where she explored the rest of France, visiting several wineries along the way. Following her graduation at the start of the global pandemic and a brief stint working for an MP, she turned to the world of wine and became a Junior Sommelier at Brown’s Hotel, London. With the WSET Level 2 under her belt, Clementine returned to France to take part in the vendange for some first-hand wine making experience, before joining our team. In addition to managing Lay & Wheeler Trading’s marketing and events, her love of wines extends beyond the borders of France, with South Africa and Germany among her go-to regions. Outside the office, she escapes London whenever possible to enjoy country pursuits and is a keen fan of reeling (Scottish country dancing) – preferably with a glass of Champagne in hand.
DAVE BARCLAY
Born and bred in South-East London and with a BSc Hons degree in Economics & Business Admin, it was natural for Dave to start his working life in the City. Enjoying several years as an equity trader at HSBC Investment Bank, it wasn’t until his move to the Arbitrage desk at ING Bank that his appreciation of good food and love of fine wine really developed (through entertaining Hedge Fund managers in the wine cellars of the old Barings Bank at 60 London Wall as part of his role). Finishing his financial career at a successful FX brokerage, his next career move followed his passion into the drinks industry. He completed his WSET Level 2 in Wines & Spirits, helped launch one of the first pre-mixed cocktail brands in the UK, and worked as a Trainee Manager at Majestic Wine to give himself a good grounding. Deep down, however, he knew the retail market wasn’t for him and took up a vacancy at IG Wines to further his career which continues with Lay & Wheeler Trading. Dave loves travelling and is never happier than when enjoying a nice glass of Blanc de Blancs Vintage Champagne or bottle of smooth Barolo while discovering new, exciting bars & restaurants both in the UK and abroad. A keen sportsman and single figure handicap golfer, when not working, eating, or drinking you’ll find Dave swinging his clubs around the fairways and greens with family & friends.
MATTHEW COLLINS
Matthew first gained a love and appreciation for wine during his family holidays to Tuscany. He spent many summers visiting wineries and helping his father select wines to bring home with them. In time, after stints in teaching and personal training, Matthew would join Majestic Wine where his tastes and knowledge grew. While there he gained a love of white Burgundy and Claret as well as achieving his WSET advanced certification. Working as a Store Manager taught Matthew many things about the wine trade and inspired him to join Lay & Wheeler Trading and experience the fine wine market. When he can, Matthew likes to spend his weekends at Castles, taking part in re-enactments of medieval sieges and combat tournaments.
CHRIS CASANOVAS
After finishing his degree in Engineering, Chris decided to travel the world for a couple of years. It was whilst travelling in Australia that the idea of working in wine began. He began working for Chandon Australia front of house before moving and working a vintage with the winery team to increase his wine knowledge. After returning to the UK Chris joined our team to further expand his knowledge and is currently undertaking his Advanced WSET with Lay & Wheeler Trading.
FINBAR KING
Finbar graduated with a BA Hons degree in Business and Finance in 2022. After some work experience in the finance department at Norwich City FC, he joined the accounts team at a local law firm. Looking for a new challenge he has joined our team, excited to train as a chartered accountant and develop his wine knowledge. Outside of work, Finbar plays semi-professional football.
GEORGIA O'BROIN
Hailing from Ireland, Georgia developed a passion for wine early, with childhood summers spent touring France and being towed through wine fairs sparking a lasting interest. She began working at O’Briens Wines in Dublin during university, initially to fund a lively Psychology student lifestyle, and gained valuable hands-on experience before moving to London at the end of 2024 to further build her foundation in the trade. Today at L&W Trading, she combines this experience with a curiosity that drives her to keep learning and exploring every aspect of the business. A passionate home cook, she loves experimenting in the kitchen and is often reaching for a Rioja Tempranillo or Loire Chenin Blanc to enjoy alongside her latest recipe. Always eager to explore new flavours and techniques, she embraces the adventure that food and wine bring to everyday life.