Ailsa is the founder behind Heaton Wine Club and the creative force running Assemble in Newcastle city centre. What began as an accidental step into hospitality has grown into a career shaped by curiosity, community and a deep passion for natural wine. Here, Ailsa shares how she found her way into the industry, the challenges she’s faced as a young woman in wine, and what continues to inspire her journey.
How did your career begin? What was your first job?
I fell into hospitality by accident. After uni I didn’t know what I wanted to do as I wasn’t really inspired by any of the options available, so I was planning on travelling for a couple of years. To save up for that I got a job at a bar in the city centre. Covid came and meant I had to put my travel plans on hold, so I worked in hospitality and admin roles off and on, and during this time discovered natural wine. I was really inspired by all aspects of it — from the history of winemaking to the sometimes unexpected expressions of different grapes.
When a job became available at Kork, Shawn took a chance on me and through this I started learning more and more and discovered how much I loved researching for and hosting wine tastings.
What has been your biggest hurdle as a woman in the industry?
Probably myself and my own imposter syndrome. I still feel very new to the industry and don’t always feel like I know enough, that my palette isn’t refined enough or that people won’t take me seriously or work with me because I’m a young woman — even though when I step out of this mindset I find that none of it is true.
I’d say the other big hurdle as a woman in the industry is both men and women not always taking my recommendations and knowledge seriously. There’s been far too many instances of people not thinking my recommendations are good enough for them but then enthusiastically accepting the same recommendations from men I’ve worked with, or customers assuming HWC is ran by Ethan.
What has made you proudest in your career?
I don’t have a specific moment or thing, but I’m always blown away that I have tasting regulars — people who enjoy my tastings and WANT to hear me talk about something I’m passionate about again and again.
I’m also really proud of how quickly HWC has grown. So many of distributors I only dreamed of buying in and work with some of my favourite bars across the country are now eager to work with little old me based up in Newcastle.
What do you wish someone had told you when you first entered the industry?
The wine industry isn’t as snobby as people think it is — especially in the natural wine world. I was so terrified of entering the industry as it’s seen as such a closed-off group, but people are so welcoming and want to share the ethos and the beautiful wines.
From discovering natural wine by chance to building a loyal tasting community in Newcastle, Ailsa’s journey is driven by passion, persistence and genuine curiosity. With Heaton Wine Club and Assemble continuing to grow, she’s carving out space in the industry on her own terms — creating welcoming environments where learning, sharing and great wine go hand in hand.
