Amica Zago

Currently completing a vintage placement at Pikes Wines in the Clare Valley, focusing on hands-on cellar operations across both red and white wine production. Working closely with the winemaking team has allowed further development of practical knowledge of small- and large-scale fermentation management, as well as understanding of Clare Valley varietal expression.

Cellar Hand at Pikes Wines (2026-02 – Present)

Currently completing a vintage placement at Pikes Wines in the Clare Valley, focusing on hands-on cellar operations across both red and white wine production. Working closely with the winemaking team has allowed further development of practical knowledge of small- and large-scale fermentation management, as well as understanding of Clare Valley varietal expression.

• Involved in grape processing, juice transfers, fermentation monitoring, additions, and maintaining cellar hygiene
• Develop technical winemaking skills, efficiency, and teamwork in a fast-paced vintage environment

Assistant Manager at Amathus Drinks (2024-12 – 2025-06)

Oversaw daily operations and aided in driving business performance in a premium drinks retail environment. Responsible for inventory management, stock ordering, and ensuring that product availability and quality were consistently maintained.

• Assisted in managing and supporting a team to ensure a high standard of customer service and operational efficiency
• Executed in-store events which contributed to a significant increase in sales and customer engagement
• Worked closely with senior management to streamline processes and improve overall store performance

Business Development Executive at Champagne Laurent-Perrier (2024-04 – 2024-11)

Key tasks included driving distribution of the portfolio across independent retailers and on-trade accounts within London. Worked closely with wholesaler representatives to ensure route to market options were widely available to customers.

• Proactively built customer relationships and loyalty to the Laurent-Perrier brand
• Supported accounts and assisted colleagues with training, tastings and compliance checks
• Ensured transaction of new distribution ran smoothly

Sales Operations Executive at Enotria & Coe (2022-11 – 2024-04)

Had many duties and responsibilities including assisting national account managers for multiple key accounts. Aided regional account managers and customers with reporting, setting up accounts and uploading pricing. Was the sole contact for three consignment customers.

• Wrote contracts for customers which included checking profitability through checking margins and pricing
• Dealt with unpaid reserves with demand planning
• Calculated retrospective invoices and communicated to payables
• Communicated with both regional and national account managers
• Talked to all departments in the company due to cross-functional responsibilities

Sales Operations Executive at Enotria & Coe (2025-06 – 2025-12)

Fine Wine Sales Specialist (Wine Guru) at Honest Grapes (2022-04 – 2022-11)

Main role was to increase sales through writing offers on wines available through the list and new wines coming into the market.

• Updated clients on new products which match their preferences
• Obtained new customers through phone calls and emails
• Processed orders and provided client support

Cellar Hand at Chateau de Campuget (2020-09 – 2020-10)

This experience provided extensive exposure to practical winemaking processes. Actively participated in daily pump-overs, temperature monitoring, and racking preparation. Working within an international harvest team in a dynamic cellar environment strengthened technical skills, attention to detail, and teamwork under vintage pressure.

• Involved in grape reception, crushing, pressing, fermentation management, and cellar sanitation
• Gained solid understanding of both red and white wine production

Head Start Graduate Apprentice at Hallgarten Wines (2019-09 – 2022-09)

During this graduate apprenticeship gained a 360-degree perspective of the wine sector from vineyard to table, while developing wine knowledge. Provided invaluable experience in all departments and obtaining total visibility, insight and understanding of all aspects of the company.

• Undertook roles in Finance
• Undertook roles in Portfolio & Buying
• Undertook roles in Logistics

BA (Hons) in Wine Business – University of Brighton (Plumpton College) (2016 – 2019)