Wine Woman Whisky Whisperer (est 2019), is your exclusive partner in sourcing and supplying premium wine and whisky. As a direct wholesaler, importer, and agent, we work closely with top-tier suppliers to bring you an extensive selection of niche and trending liquors. Our services extend beyond distribution, offering expert staff training, private tastings, and exclusive degustation events designed to elevate your hospitality experience.
Meet Nikki Knights, the visionary founder and director of Wine Woman Whisky Whisperer. Nikki has dedicated over 18 years to the wholesale liquor industry, honing her expertise in emerging trends and pioneering brand launches. Known as the Whisky Whisperer, Nikki has a special affinity for rare Japanese spirits, including Hibiki and Yamazaki, and has significantly contributed to the Australian market. In 2019, she co-founded the Japanese Quality Whisky Society, propelling it to a multi-million-dollar enterprise within three years. Nikki’s strategic insights have also introduced innovative products from Shinobu Distillery and other renowned brands to the national supply chain.
In late 2022, Nikki expanded her vision with the formation of Minleki Spirits Traders, in collaboration with the Minle Group. This venture serves as a pivotal source-to-supply agency in the spirits industry, both in Australia and globally, securing exclusive contracts with prestigious distilleries like Masahiro and Wolfburn.
Explore our unique collection of eco-friendly, sustainable wines, and private label offerings from acclaimed Australian and European vineyards. Our extensive network of local family-owned businesses and exclusive producers ensures a diverse portfolio that goes beyond the ordinary, providing exceptional options for our clients.
At Wine Woman Whisky Whisperer, our mission is clear: to collaborate with sustainable, organic, and ethical family producers, delivering unique, affordable, and high-quality liquors that are both on-trend and exceptional.
Join us in our vision of ‘Saving the planet one glass at a time.’
Discover more at www.minleki.com.
Meet The 'Management' Team
Nikki Knights
Founder, Wine Woman
Whisky Whisperer
With over 18 years of experience in the wine industry, I have a passion for wine and whisky, which is why I named my company Wine Woman Whisky Whisperer. I started in the wine industry at the age of 19 and gradually progressed from wine promotions and tastings to cellar door manager, where I learned about the mechanics of vine to wine. At the age of 25, I landed a position in the wholesale wine industry and managed key sales for companies such as Origin Wines and Vintage House Wine + Spirits..
As a collaborator, I bring together key market partnerships nationally and manage key operations and brand creations for Wine Woman both internationally and domestically.
I am a global agent for key brands in wine and spirits and specialize in new-to-market products. My passion lies in offering niche, unique, and premium products to the national wholesale liquor markets while unifying key supplier and customer relationships.
Lou-Ann Rogers
General Manager / Partner
Introducing Lou-Ann Rogers: a welcoming professional with a strong work ethic, known for her organisational prowess and dedication to service excellence.
Lou-Ann Rogers brings over 25 years of expertise in the wine industry, having served as a key manager in premium retail and business development roles at renowned brands such as Yalumba, Penfolds, Red + White, and FESQ & Company. Her extensive knowledge spans both wholesale and retail sectors, establishing her as a highly respected figure known for diligence and a vibrant personality.
Lou-Ann manages all aspects of Wine Woman and provides crucial management support for Minleki Spirits Traders, our sister company. She also serves as a key liaison for our partners on the Gold Coast, QLD.
Craig Knights
Chief of Wine
Trainer/ Events
Meet Craig. The Father and wine mentor of Wine Woman. Wine Legend with close to 4 decades of wine experience.
A wealth of wine knowledge, Craig will host degustation and is the keynote wine trainer in collaboration with events, key corporate groups and hospitality sectors.
The retail liquor industry is Craigs specialty. 'I've seen a lot of trends come and go, and understand what the retailer and consumer require as far as positioning, product and trends'.
Craig's worked for the likes of Pernod Ricard, Red + White for decades, and comes with a wealth of knowledge and an exceptional palette to boot!
'Organic, eco-friendly with ethical sustainable practices are here to stay, in a big way! I can only get behind wine's that I like to drink, and our portfolio is interesting, unique and has lots of character! Salute!'
Meet The 'A' Team
Jake Webster
Northern Beaches BDM / Spirits Specialist
The Young Gun Jake is a Byron Bay local, that thrives in the realm of Spirits.
Passionate about all beautiful craft spirits, particularly whisky, he specializes in capturing the essence of spirits that flow freely through the Northern Beaches terrain.
With a love for photography and a wealth of experience in premium spirits retail sales across craft bottle shops around the globe, Jake delivers exceptional training, tastings, and sales tailored for the Northern Rivers area, and manages the Hospitality industry and local networking, tasting and sales in this amazing region of Byron Bay & surrounds.
JJ Forest
Sommelier / Events Hosting
John ( JJ) Forest, is the 'Wine Charmer' that really knows the vine, to grape, to glass!
With over three decades of experience spanning from the USA to Sydney and now Queensland, JJ is a hospitality superstar with an impeccable knowledge of wine.
JJ effortlessly guides you on a journey from vine to glass, drawing from experiences at prestigious venues such as the Merivale Group, Congress Austin as a Wine Director, QT Hotels, and Palazzo Versace to name a few...
Currently an owner at Pucca Restaurant and Gin Bar in Noosa Heads, JJ actively supports our network through training, public hosting, event management, and business development in the Sunshine Coast region.
Martina Chelini
Administration Support Network
Meet Martina. This exceptional young Lady brings a wealth of
experience of operations to the table.
Martina articulates and is passionate for leading a
transformational vision with the use of digital technologies to drive humanisation, brand awareness and engagement across online and physical audiences.
She has demonstrated abilities in human behaviour including years of study in Bachelor of Psychological Sciences. Expertise in forming and managing lucrative relationships that foster longevity and commercial growth. Martina encourages and practices an internal value-based culture of accountability and lifelong learning that in turn provides value to individuals, companies and the community.
A strategic partner in business and/ or adviser to a wide range of companies for the last 12+ years.
CEO executive assistant with years of experience in operational management.