Aleesha Hansel: Redefining Wine Communication in the UK
In the world of wine, voices that combine deep expertise with cultural awareness are rare. Aleesha Hansel has built her career on doing exactly that. As a wine writer, broadcaster, competition judge, and founder of Ouverture London, she has become one of the most recognisable figures in the UK drinks industry. Her work blends wine education with anthropology, bringing fresh perspectives to a sector traditionally dominated by white men. This article explores her journey, education, career, honours, and unique contributions.
Early Life and Background
Heritage and Identity
Aleesha Hansel is of mixed Jamaican, white English, and Indian heritage. This diverse background plays a significant role in how she approaches wine, offering an anthropological and cultural lens rather than focusing solely on technical tasting notes. Her perspective brings representation and inclusivity into wine communication, enriching the industry with voices and experiences that have historically been underrepresented.
Education
Academic Foundations
Aleesha first trained in journalism, studying at News Associates, where she completed her NCTJ Diploma in Journalism. Her ability to research, investigate, and communicate stories effectively has always been central to her work.
Professional Wine Training
To further her career in the drinks industry, she pursued professional wine education through the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), earning a Diploma. This dual background in journalism and wine has enabled her to become a credible and engaging communicator, trusted by both professionals and consumers.
Career Path
Freelance Writing
Aleesha began as a freelance writer in 2017, with her bylines appearing in numerous prestigious outlets. Her work has been published in:
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Tatler
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Decanter
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National Geographic Traveller Food
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Ocadolife
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Imbibe
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Harpers Wine and Spirits
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Club Oenologique
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WSET Global Blog
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APL Media
Her articles often highlight the intersection of drinks, culture, and history. Rather than limiting herself to tasting notes, Aleesha explores wine’s role in society, its anthropological connections, and its influence on identity and lifestyle.
Broadcasting and Media
Aleesha is also a television broadcaster and presenter.
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She is a resident wine expert on ITV’s Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh, where she introduces viewers to wines in an approachable yet authoritative style.
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She has regularly appeared on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, presenting wine and drinks segments to a mainstream audience.
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She also featured in Channel 4’s Secrets of the Supermarket Own Brands with Denise Van Outen, showcasing her role as a drinks authority.
Her skill in making complex wine topics accessible to viewers has established her as a trusted face on British television.
Entrepreneurial Venture: Ouverture London
In 2024, Aleesha launched Ouverture London, where she serves as Founder and Creative Director.
The company is home to a signature wine-inspired interior fragrance line and a curated collection of independent wine lifestyle brands. It is the first fragrance house in the UK to create luxury scents that evoke memories of wines savoured and shared.
This project demonstrates Aleesha’s entrepreneurial creativity, bridging wine culture with lifestyle products and expanding her influence beyond traditional wine communication.
Judging Roles
Aleesha is also a respected competition judge, contributing her expertise at major events, including:
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Decanter World Wine Awards
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International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC)
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Great Taste Awards
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People’s Choice Drinks Awards
Her role as a judge underscores her credibility, as these competitions are among the most influential in shaping consumer trust and industry recognition.
Advocacy and Leadership
Fairtrade Foundation Ambassador
Since 2023, Aleesha has served as an Ambassador for the Fairtrade Foundation, supporting fair trade principles and sustainability within the drinks industry.
UN Women UK Delegate
Since 2022, she has also been a Delegate for UN Women UK, demonstrating her commitment to women’s empowerment and equality.
Patron of The Drinks Trust
In 2023, she became a Patron of The Drinks Trust, a UK charity that supports drinks and hospitality workers, further highlighting her dedication to the community she represents.
Recognition and Awards
Aleesha Hansel’s work has been recognised through multiple honours:
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Louis Roederer BAME Bursary (2020) – inaugural winner, with a year’s mentorship from Jancis Robinson MW.
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IWSC Wine Communicator of the Year Finalist (2022) – recognising her exceptional communication skills.
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Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute (2022) – for her research and contributions to drinks anthropology.
These accolades affirm her as not just a communicator, but a thought leader in her field.
Personal Life
Marital Status
Aleesha has publicly referenced having a husband in interviews, noting his white English heritage. However, his name is not publicly confirmed through reliable sources. While there has been speculation linking her to wine entrepreneur Tom Cannon, co-founder of Folc, available evidence shows that Tom Cannon’s spouse is his Folc business partner, Elisha Rai.
Thus, Aleesha Hansel’s husband’s identity remains private, and it is best to respect this boundary until credible sources verify otherwise.
Age
Born on 5 June 1988, Aleesha Hansel is currently 37 years old. At this stage in her career, she has already achieved recognition as a writer, broadcaster, entrepreneur, and advocate — accomplishments that suggest even greater achievements lie ahead.
Aleesha Hansel and Wikipedia
Although Aleesha Hansel does not yet have a full Wikipedia page, she is featured in publications like Decanter and Tatler, industry award announcements, and branded entertainment series. There is also a short EverybodyWiki entry about her. With her growing influence, a standard Wikipedia biography may soon follow.
Contribution to Diversity in Wine
Perhaps Aleesha Hansel’s most important contribution is her role in diversifying the wine industry. She is part of a new wave of professionals who are:
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Broadening representation within wine writing and judging.
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Bringing in anthropological and cultural perspectives.
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Making wine accessible to mainstream audiences through TV and digital media.
Her career shows how storytelling, culture, and expertise can converge to inspire new generations of wine lovers.
Conclusion
Aleesha Hansel is far more than a wine writer. She is a broadcaster, entrepreneur, judge, and advocate, using her platform to make wine approachable, culturally relevant, and socially responsible.
With her mixed heritage, academic background, and commitment to anthropology, she offers a perspective that challenges the traditional gatekeeping of the wine world. From founding Ouverture London to serving as a Fairtrade Ambassador and Patron of The Drinks Trust, Aleesha continues to shape the conversation around wine in meaningful ways.
At just 37, her influence is already significant. As her work expands across media, entrepreneurship, and cultural advocacy, Aleesha Hansel’s role as one of the UK’s most important wine communicators is firmly established.
