Introducing Saleesha

We recently welcomed Saleesha to our Front of House Team. Visit our vineyard and you’re likely to see Saleesha busy preparing for wine tastings, making delicious treats or managing our shop. One thing is for sure, you’ll enjoy a very warm welcome from her! In this blog, she shares a bit more about her background, and her role at the vineyard…

Tell us a bit about yourself…

My passion in life is entertaining – I love nothing more than cooking for others, and of course selecting wines that pair perfectly with the meals I prepare!

After many years working in London within the facilities management sector, I moved to Hertfordshire and began a career in the hospitality industry, learning lots of tricks of the trade along the way! I put that experience to good use as a pub landlady for a number of years, before deciding that it was time for a job with more sociable working hours.

How did you first discover Saffron Grange? 

I first came across Saffron Grange at the Saffron Walden market. I’ve always enjoyed English wines, and was delighted to discover a local vineyard on my doorstep and that’s where my relationship with Saffron Grange began. After becoming a fan of Saffron Grange sparking wines, I put my name down to volunteer with the grape picking at harvest and had the opportunity to learn even more about all of the hard work that goes into the wines that I love to drink! I really enjoyed the experience and love that it’s a family-run business. I’ve kept a close eye on the business as it has grown so was thrilled when I spotted an opening that suited my experience.

What do you enjoy about working at the vineyard?  

It’s been fascinating to soak up knowledge about the wines and wine-making process. There’s never a dull day, with so much to learn and get involved in. Of course, our wonderful guests make it even better and I love to interact with them. The team have made me feel so welcome, so it’s been a pleasure working here and I’m excited about our future expansion plans.

What tasks have you been getting involved with so far? 

 My job involves everything and anything to do with our visitor experiences. That might mean preparing one of our delicious sharing platters for a ‘Try Flight’ booking, or getting ready to welcome a new group of visitors on one of our popular Tours & Tastings. I’m a people person through and through, so I love meeting and greeting our guests and doing everything I can to make sure they have a wonderful experience.

What is your favourite Saffron Grange wine?  

I really couldn’t choose a favourite as they are all quite different and I love them all so really it depends on my mood… or what is on my dinner plate! I’m a huge fan of oysters, so really enjoy pairing them with a cold glass of our 2019 Seyval Blanc Reserve – delicious