The Grape Connection story
From vegan friendly to limited edition aged vintage, we distribute hand selected, premium, award winning wines.
The Grape Connection was created to service the independent trade with niche, authentic, quality wines. Distributing to a large network of restaurants, wine bars, hotels, clubs, liquor barns and bottle shops. Connecting the right wines with the right people.
Who you're connecting with:
Mark Ellis
With over 40 years of experience in the liquor industry and in sales and marketing, I have an extensive history within an industry I'm completely passionate about. I pride myself on being a genuine conduit for businesses finding the most exceptional and targeted products for their market and providing wines that are sourced from our iconic Australian regions as well as some International regions.
Along my travels, I’ve also obtained a Bachelor of Business Degree. Combining my education with my experience, it has been instrumental in helping me further develop my knowledge and understanding of the market and the medium in which we all work.
I’m a family man with 3 kids and a beautiful granddaughter who all mean the world to me. I love being a part of the local community and volunteer as a surf lifesaver at Miami Beach Surf Club. The beach and the surf are a sanctuary.
My previous liquor experience includes:
6 years at Power Brewing
10 years at Carlton United Breweries
7 years at Tyrrell’s Wines as State Manager
5 years as Part Time Bar Manager at Miami Beach Surf Club
If I haven’t introduced myself to you yet, I’d love to get to know you and your business more. Please feel free to contact me anytime.
Greg 'Wilko' Wilkins
Stockists and Distribution Northern NSW
Greg has worked in the hospitality industry for 40 years, managing restaurants, hotels and retail facilities. During this period under his management the business has won several National Awards for Excellence.
Greg developed a passion for retailing and spent many years at the cutting edge of retail managing wine focused groups. This gave Greg the opportunity to understand and develop a strong knowledge for wine.
Being a student of wine, he visited most of the key wine growing regions in Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Spain and France.
Having founded The Grape Connection, Greg has hand selected the wines we market and has an exceptional relationship with both our winemakers and stockists.
Sherie Fowler
Stockists and Distribution Gold Coast
Passionate about art, culture and cuisine, Sherie has worked in the field of holistic medicine and through this has developed an understanding of and appreciation for the connection between good food, quality wine and wellbeing.
As a result of extensive travel within Australia and overseas, she has developed a particular interest in quality Australian wines, specifically those produced organically. Among the select brands Grape Connection have available, Sherie recommends their preservative free wines, available for the enjoyment of those with allergies and sensitivities.
Sherie looks forward to introducing the Grape Connection to your establishment and assisting you with customising your wine selections.