Ashley Saunders #178
Transforming Wine brands though Creative storytelling
Ashley Saunders is a London-based Wine Communicator, author of the @WineswithAshley Instagram channel and founder of Palate Comms Marketing Agency. Ashley’s 18 years’ experience as an innovative and visionary Global Marketing Director working with world-renowned brands such as Nike, Diageo and Kellogg’s has shaped the concept of her business. Driven by passion, collaboration and unyielding creativity, Ashley specialises in transforming brands through impactful storytelling and deep consumer connections that deliver tangible results.
Ashley’s time at Nike Global Headquarters in Oregon, USA, ignited her love for the Pacific North West wine scene and inspired a major shift in her career. Now based in the UK, she channels her expertise into communications within the wine sector, sharing her knowledge through her Instagram channel @WineswithAshley and through marketing consultancy Palate Comms, which she founded to specialise in wine marketing.
Shaping the future of wine marketing
Ashley is on a mission to bring the world of wine into the spotlight – whether through her engaging, educational social content or by collaborating with vineyards and wine businesses to amplify their brands. Her approach goes beyond conventional marketing, crafting captivating stories that truly resonate with consumers.
Through her Instagram channel @WineswithAshley, she aims to make wine more accessible, fun, and inclusive for everyone – beginners or seasoned enthusiasts. By presenting information in digestible, entertaining formats, she sparks conversation and invites people who might not typically engage with wine to explore and enjoy it.
Palate Comms was born from this vision: to create a marketing agency dedicated to elevating the wine industry. By blending extensive marketing expertise with a deep passion for wines, Palate Comms helps wineries, retailers, and distributors connect with their ideal audiences. Combining creativity, industry knowledge, and data-driven strategies, Ashley’s agency stands out in a competitive market, helping clients grow and thrive.
Education as the basis for a career in the wine industry
Ashley has been fortunate to have studied extensively, achieving several qualifications directly and indirectly related to the wine industry, including a Bachelor of Commerce degree 2:1, Watford Advertising course, WSET Levels 1, 2 and 3, WSG French Wine Scholar and Spanish Wine Scholar, Capstone California Level 1, as well as the Academy of Cheese Level 1. Ashley is currently studying for the WSG Master in Champagne and Italian Wine Scholar with plans to start the DipWSET in 2026.
Ashley has been involved with Drinklusive as a mentor for the past 2 years. Drinklusive is the drink industry’s first Inclusivity Mentorship aimed at increasing the representation of drinks personalities from underrepresented communities. The program was founded by Aidy Smith and The Three Drinkers and is supported by industry leaders such as Jancis Robinson, The Gerard Basset Foundation, Decanter, Diablo (Concha y Toro), WSET, London Wine Fair and more.
Ashley Saunders has also been a mentor for Who’s Your Momma, a female marketing mentorship programme run by SheSays, an international organisation for women and non-binary people. Due to her expertise and influence in the world of wines, Ashley was invited to become a Judge for the People’s Choice Wine Awards 2024.
Her favourite wines
Ashley has always had a deep appreciation for cool-climate wines, with a special place in her heart for Pinot Noir from Oregon. What really excites her these days is the world of sparkling wines, and in particular, the sparkling wines coming from England. As a fan of Champagne and Method Cap Classique, Ashley says she is incredibly proud of the sparkling wines being made in England: “There’s something immensely satisfying about the evolution of English sparkling wine. I remember when they first started gaining recognition on the global stage, and it’s been amazing to watch them develop into a force to be reckoned with. The quality and consistency have improved year after year, and I truly believe that we’re just scratching the surface of what this country can achieve in the sparkling (and still) wine world”.
Ashley believes that, with continued innovation and a growing passion for the craft, the future of English sparkling wine looks incredibly bright: “I’m beyond excited to see where it goes from here – and to keep enjoying these beautifully crafted bottles as the story unfolds”.
