Our Team

Cliff Roberson – Managing Director

Without Cliff's drive, enthusiasm and work ethic, Roberson Wine would not be where it is today (or, indeed, anywhere at all). Cliff has worked in the wine trade for more years than he cares to remember, founding Roberson Wine in 1991 and his other main business, Buckingham Vintners, in 1974. He remains one of the true characters of the industry.

If you haven't heard it before, check out Cliff's rap about his life in wine (right click and choose to save it for future listening).

Desert Island Wine

1900 Lafite

Max Edge – Operations Executive

After studying at university in Norwich, Max began a career in hospitality, starting as a bartender to become Assistant General Manager for a multi-site group. All that time pouring drinks and mixing cocktails awoke a real passion for all things liquid and a desire to work in the wine industry. Joining Roberson in March 2019, Max is now getting used to having a normal bedtime. Outside of the office, Max is a passionate home cook, always trying new recipes from all four corners of the world.

Desert Island Drink

Anything containing Campari served over lots of ice

Paddy Robinson – Private Client Sales Manager

Paddy joined Roberson’s Fine Wine Team in 2020, having previously worked in both fine wine and private clienet sales for many years. His love of wine started at a young age and has only grown from there. When not in the office you can usually find him at the Stoop watching the Harlequins.

Desert Island Wine

2002 Cristal

Simon Huntington – Commercial Director

Simon fell in love with wine while on holiday in South Africa in 2000. After procrastinating in his tech-sector job for several months, events took care of things as dot.com boom turned to bust. A few weeks later, he started in the wine industry as a sales assistant in a branch of Oddbins, rising swiftly through the ranks to manage one of their flagship London stores. After 14 further years working at various small independent merchants in London, Simon revived his tech skills to join Roberson’s online department in 2017.

Desert Island Drink

A well-chilled Bintang, or a Comte de Vogüé Musigny, depending on refrigeration availability.

Martin Currie – Finance

Man of a thousand jobs (many of which he's tried to give up over the years, with limited success) Martin is the man people at Roberson go to for, well, pretty much everything. On his day off, he can often be heard shouting at the television in support of his beloved Green Bay Packers (American Football, if you're wondering).

Desert Island Drink

Amaretto and Coke

Talya Roberson – Director

Talya is Cliff’s daughter and gained her informal wine education during long nights of drinking and discussion around the family dinner table. After a thirty year career in journalism and then education, Talya joined the family business in 2015. She says that working at Roberson is like having her whole life in one job: telling great stories, learning loads and drinking amazing wine.

Desert Island Wine

Ice cold filtered water, island distilled vodka and wine made from grapes grown in the island vineyard (well what else is there to do on an island?)

Alex Hurley – Winemaker

Alex is our in-house winemaker and is involved with everything London Cru. Catch him in the cellar making our wines, at our wine events and running tours and tastings. You may also spot Alex around London hunting interesting wine bars or a delicious plate.

Desert Island Wine

An Australian classic that started my winemaking journey - Lethbridge Allegra Chardonnay 2010

Jacquie Jeffery – PA to Cliff Roberson

Although Cliff is his own department, that department wouldn't work quite as well without Jacquie as his P.A. In her spare time, Jacquie loves nothing better than sharing her love of fine wine and cooking with friends and family. When she’s not looking after Cliff, you'll find her cooking up a storm in the kitchen, strolling through Richmond Park with her beloved Westie or putting her green fingers to good use in the garden.

Desert Island Wine

New Zealand Pinot Gris

Keith Kirkpatrick – Buyer

Keith joined Roberson in 2010 and after many years in on-trade sales he is now the agency buyer. Keith has been around wine from an early age when he used to help out in his family's restaurant business in Ireland. His general knowledge is particularly acute, making him a useful man to have on your side at Roberson’s legendary pub quiz nights.

Desert Island Wine

His most recently signed up new agency…

Oliver Bartle – Head of Fine Wine

Oliver joined us in 2015 and heads up our Fine Wine Department. His passion for wine started when he was 19 years old and running an independent wine merchant. He quickly moved to the fine wine trade and now has a wealth of experience in buying and selling. When not in the office, you'll usually find keeping clean sheets on the football pitch, or elsewhere drinking a bottle of mature claret.

Desert Island Wine

Any 1989 red Bordeaux