Introducing The Team

Although our team has grown the company is still driven by the original two directors.

Ed Wells, Director & Founder 

Ed's wine career began in 1995 when he graduated from the University of Reading and joined the respected trainee programme at Majestic Wine. During his 3 years with Majestic Ed gained both his WSET Higher Certification followed by the coveted Diploma in Wines and Spirits.

In 1998 Ed joined the newly formed Fine Wine Service at Direct Wines (better known as Laithwaites or The Sunday Times Wine Club). It was during his time in this expert team that he specialised in sourcing and selling the worlds finest wines. During this time travelled extensively in Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne to fully understand both the wines and the marketplace. In recent years Ed has developed further links with outstanding wineries in Spain, Italy, Australia, Canada as well as many more winemakers in the classic regions of France. He specialises in European wines and in particular the great wines of Bordeaux, Burgundy & The Rhone. Recently his interest in fine Australian wines has increased, particularly in the McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley. Ed has a close working relationship with several of the worlds most prestigous domaines. 

Ed is chief buyer at HarperWells and manages the requirements of the Private Client Sales Desk.  Ed manages the smooth-running and content of the HarperWells website and HarperWells events.

Ed is holder of the WSET Higher Certificate and Diploma and has taught at Higher Certificate level. Mr Wells is also a member of the prestigous Acadamie du Champagne. Outside of wine Ed has been a competitive oarsman, rowing at National Championship level and competing at Henley Royal Regatta.  He has also been competitive cyclist and has run the gruelling Marathon du Medoc.

Dean Harper, Director & Founder 

Dean sees his role at HarperWells combining many aspects of his past. For many years he worked in the agricultural industry advising on various aspects of agronomy for a large UK co-operative. He is very keen to apply this knowledge to the old adage, "a good wine is made in the vineyard". He grew up in South Africa and is excited by the changes and improvements that South African and other new world wines can offer the discerning wine lover. Dean has written over two hundred articles on wine as well as taking great pleasure in running wine events, advising on various aspects of wine and introducing people to new and interesting wines from around the world.

If pushed into admitting a speciality he would offer 'Champagne'. "I was dragged reluctantly to a Champagne tasting about 15 years ago convinced that it was over-rated and not for me!" he admits, "but the tasting opened my eyes to what a diverse subject Champagne and sparkling wine can be, now I'm hooked!". Dean has spent a lot of time in the Champagne region and has an intimate knowledge of the producers there, both large and small.

Dean manages also manages Private Client Accounts and in addition oversees the operational requirements of HarperWells.

Dean is holder of the WSET Certificate in Wines & Spirits.

Luan Francis, Office Manager

Luan joined HarperWells in 2007 to manage the day-to-day administrative, logistical and book-keeping requirements of HarperWells.  Luan has managed the development of the back-office systems and manages a large percentage of the daily sales activity.

Nathan Rogers, Sales & Business Development Manager

Nathan Rogers joined HarperWells in 2008 to head up the sales team.  Nathan has a strong background in sales and delivering first-class service to customers.  His favourite wines are those of the New World and the classic regions of Spain. Email Nathan