The Story So Far
About David Kelly
30+ years connecting thoughtful wine lovers with characterful, responsibly farmed wines — from vineyard owner to global procurement leader.
About David Kelly
My time in wine has been spent walking vineyards, tasting in cellars, and building one of the UK's most respected online specialists in Great Wines Direct, which I founded in 2003 and still lead today as part of the wider Komerz ecosystem.
Today, as Chief Procurement Officer at Komerz and a global wine sourcing expert, I use that 360° perspective to identify producers with genuine substance, not just a good story. I'm interested in estates that care about their soils, their communities, and the long-term health of their brands.
My work sits at the intersection of farming, logistics, and digital retail: using insight from millions of data points at Great Wines Direct, and Komerz, alongside years of tasting and travel, to curate portfolios that feel distinctive, honest, and commercially sharp.
At heart, I'm a connector – between growers and drinkers, tradition and technology, and wines of character and the people most likely to appreciate them.
Career Highlights
Three decades of milestones — from the vineyards of Germany and Italy to global procurement across four continents.
Consultant, Niederthaler Hof — Nahe Valley, Germany
Began advising Niederthaler Hof, a storied 350-year-old winemaker nestled in the Nahe Valley. An early immersion into Old World winemaking traditions, estate management, and the craft of terroir-driven viticulture.
Founded Great Wines Direct
Launched one of the UK's first specialist online wine retailers, curating hard-to-find wines from family-run estates across Europe and beyond.
WSET Certification — Pass with Distinction
Achieved the Wine & Spirit Education Trust qualification with distinction, formalising decades of tasting knowledge and deepening expertise in global wine regions, production methods, and evaluation.
Vineyard Owner — Abruzzo, Italy
Acquired a vineyard in Abruzzo, Italy — gaining hands-on experience in every stage from soil to bottle, deepening an understanding of Mediterranean viticulture and the realities of small-estate winemaking.
Great Wines Direct Ltd Incorporated
Formalised the business as a limited company, bringing together a portfolio of over 4,500 wines from hundreds of distinct producers — all carefully collated over the preceding two decades. Sourcing spans France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and the New World.
Procurement Officer, Tails Trading Ltd
Joined Tails Trading, a global wine importer and distributor, as Procurement Officer. Played an integral role in growing the BWS (Beer, Wine & Spirits) sector to £1.4 billion globally before exiting in September 2024.
Invested in PennCroft Vineyard — Hampshire, UK
Invested in PennCroft Vineyard, an Itasca-planted Hampshire estate — a strong statement of belief in the quality and commercial potential of English wine. A region increasingly recognised for world-class sparkling and still wines.
Global Chief Procurement Officer, Komerz
Joined Komerz as GCPO, responsible for repeating past success in wine procurement for BWS across Komerz's four main hubs: London, New Delhi (including SE Asia), Miami (USA), and Dubai (including the Middle East and North Africa).
Credentials & Recognition
WSET Certified
Pass with Distinction
4.9/5 Google
Great Wines Direct reviews
4.9/5 Trustpilot
Great Wines Direct reviews
30+ Years
In the wine industry
Let's Talk Wine
Whether you're a producer looking for a route to market, a journalist seeking expert comment, or simply curious about what I do — I'd love to hear from you.
Get in Touch