Elizabeth Mellish, a distinguished name in the UK wine scene, has dedicated over a decade to mastering the art of hospitality and wine curation. As the Head Sommelier at Gleneagles Townhouse, she has redefined the wine experience for her guests by crafting an extraordinary wine program that harmonizes beloved classics with rare, undiscovered gems. Her innovative approach, which includes launching a highly successful monthly wine club, underscores her commitment to making wine accessible, engaging, and inspiring for all.

In addition to her on-floor expertise, Elizabeth is a prolific writer for The Secret Vine, where she delves into the intricate relationship between wine and gastronomy. Beyond her role at Gleneagles Townhouse, Elizabeth serves as a judge for the prestigious London Wine Competition, bringing her keen palate and deep industry insights to the forefront of wine evaluation.

In this exclusive interview, Elizabeth shares her approach to elevating the wine experience—revealing how she balances education and hospitality to engage guests, her thoughts on curating a wine program that tells a story, and her vision for the future of wine appreciation. Whether you are a sommelier, a wine enthusiast, or someone eager to learn from one of the UK’s top wine professionals, this conversation offers a wealth of inspiration and practical advice.

Restaurant & Rooftop Bar - Gleneagles Townhouse

Curating Balance in a Wine Program: How do you approach the challenge of balancing well-loved classics with unique vintages in the wine selection at Gleneagles Townhouse?

Balancing well-loved classics with unique vintages in the wine selection at Gleneagles Townhouse involves a careful approach that satisfies familiar preferences while encouraging exploration. Our goal is to offer a diverse selection that appeals to a broad range of palates. We ensure our core selection includes renowned, reliable wines that guests trust. These classics provide comfort and familiarity. Simultaneously, we strive to keep the selection engaging by incorporating unique vintages that offer fresh experiences, whether through lesser-known regions, emerging winemakers, or limited-edition bottles. Each wine tells a story, inviting guests to explore beyond their usual choices.

Monthly Wine Club: What inspired the launch of your monthly wine club, and how do you ensure it remains both engaging and educational for your guests?

The launch of our monthly wine club was inspired by a desire to deepen our guests' connection to the world of wine and create a more interactive and immersive experience at Gleneagles Townhouse. We recognised that many guests are not only looking for a great meal or a fine bottle of wine but also seeking opportunities to learn, explore, and expand their wine knowledge. The wine club offers a platform to share that journey with them, making wine exploration both accessible and enjoyable.

Gleneagles Townhouse Wine Club

To ensure the club remains engaging and educational, we focus on offering a mix of wines that are both intriguing and diverse. Each month, we feature wines that reflect different regions, varietals, and winemaking techniques. The events are hosted by a range of people from the familiar faces of our wine suppliers, who have been instrumental in supporting the wine club, to visiting winemakers and winery owners who share their inside perspective on their wines and the art of winemaking. This combination of hosts keeps the content fresh and exciting for all. 

We also encourage interaction by allowing members to share their thoughts and preferences, helping to personalize the experience. By curating wine selections that offer both familiar favorites and exciting new finds, we keep members engaged and excited to learn more about the world of wine, while fostering a sense of community around a shared passion for great wine.

Elizabeth Mellish

Enhancing Dining Experiences: In your opinion, how does a thoughtful wine program contribute to the overall dining experience, and what role does guest feedback play in shaping your selections?

A thoughtful wine program plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall dining experience by elevating the flavours of the food and adding an extra layer of enjoyment for guests. We aim to offer our guests the opportunity to discover new regions, varietals, and winemakers, enriching their dining experience with education and exploration. Guest feedback plays a crucial role in refining our wine selections, offering valuable insights into preferences, emerging trends, and the wines guests truly enjoy. 

I make it a point to engage with guests during every service, and I have the unique advantage of regularly interacting with our members to better understand their individual tastes. This ongoing dialogue allows us to curate a wine list that is tailored to their desires. Their feedback guides us in identifying which wines resonate most, which regions or styles spark the most curiosity, and where we can innovate by introducing new options. By continuously listening to and learning from our guests, we ensure that the wine program remains dynamic, relevant, and aligned with their evolving preferences, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.

The Secret Vine

The Art of Wine Writing: Your articles for The Secret Vine highlight the relationship between wine and gastronomy. How does your writing influence or reflect your work as a sommelier?

Writing for The Secret Vine allows me to explore the intricate relationship between wine and gastronomy, a subject that lies at the heart of my work as a sommelier. This dual role creates a dynamic exchange where each informs and enriches the other. Crafting articles for the magazine is an opportunity to dive deeply into the stories behind wines, their regions, and how they harmonise with food.  Storytelling is a cornerstone of my role as a sommelier, and writing sharpens my ability to make these stories engaging and relatable, whether to a seasoned connoisseur or someone just beginning their wine journey. Writing also pushes me to think creatively about pairings and trends in the culinary world. This knowledge directly informs my work, whether I’m looking for new wines, training staff, or hosting a masterclass. At the same time, the hands-on experiences I gain in these settings provide authentic insights and stories for my articles, creating a symbiotic relationship between the two facets of my career. Ultimately, my writing is an extension of my work as a sommelier and vice versa. Both are driven by the desire to connect people with the magic of wine and food, to demystify complex ideas, and to share the joy of discovery. Through this ongoing dialogue between pen and palate, I find not only inspiration but also a deeper connection to the craft I love.

Hospitality Insights: Having spent over a decade in hospitality, what key insights have shaped your approach to connecting with patrons and creating memorable wine experiences?

I believe that the key to creating memorable wine experiences lies in genuine connection, personalised service, and a deep understanding of the guests' needs and preferences. One of the most valuable insights is that guests don’t just want to be served, they want to feel engaged and involved in the experience. This means taking the time to listen, ask thoughtful questions about their tastes, and offer recommendations that reflect their individual preferences, rather than simply pushing a wine based on price or popularity. 

Elizabeth Mellish, 30 under 30 Harpers Wine and Spirits, Head Sommelier at Gleneagles Townhouse and Top 5 Young Sommelier UK Sommelier Edit and Judge at London Wine Competition.

Another key element is the power of storytelling, which captivated me when I first entered the industry and continues to inspire me throughout my career. Every wine has its own story; a history, a place, and a unique process behind it. Sharing these stories with guests not only enhances their appreciation of the wine but also makes the experience more enriching and memorable. Whether it’s a rare vintage from a small vineyard or a classic bottle from a renowned region, the narrative adds depth and emotion to the tasting experience. Creating an atmosphere of curiosity and discovery encourages guests to explore new varietals or regions they might not have considered before, which can transform an ordinary dining experience into something exciting.  Wine should be an adventure that sparks interest and creates lasting memories.

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As the conversation draws to a close, it's clear that Elizabeth's passion, expertise, and dedication to the craft of wine elevate every aspect of her work. Having your finest wines judged at the London Wine Competition by sommeliers like Elizabeth Mellish—who combine an exceptional palate with years of experience—is truly an honor, ensuring that each wine is evaluated with the utmost care and understanding.

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