Aleesha Hansel

Aleesha Hansel is a wine and lifestyle journalist, broadcaster, and Fairtrade Foundation ambassador who explores drinks through the lens of food, travel, and culture. As editor of Slake Magazine, founder of the Living Drinks Project, and inaugural winner of the Louis Roederer BAME Bursary judged by Jancis Robinson, she combines editorial excellence with a commitment to sustainability and representation. Her work has appeared in Tatler, Decanter, the Independent, and National Geographic Traveller, whilst her warm, accessible approach has made her a sought-after voice on BBC Radio 4 and ITV's Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh. Audiences gain practical insight into the drinks world delivered with authenticity and approachability, making complex subjects engaging and inclusive for all.

When Aleesha Hansel became wine columnist for Red Magazine, she made history as the only wine writer of Black heritage in the UK to hold a column in a national publication. That landmark role marked just one chapter in a career that has seen her contribute to Tatler, Decanter, the Independent, National Geographic Traveller, and Club Œnologique, exploring wine and drinks through the interconnected worlds of food, travel, culture, and lifestyle. Now editor of Slake Magazine and founder of the Living Drinks Project, she combines editorial leadership with a commitment to reshaping how audiences engage with the drinks industry. Her recent appointment as a Fairtrade Foundation ambassador reflects her dedication to sustainability, ethical production, and the belief that farmers deserve to earn a sustainable living whilst communities gain support for gender equality, education, and environmentally responsible practices.

Aleesha's authority in the drinks world rests on both recognition and expertise. As the inaugural winner of the Louis Roederer BAME Bursary, judged by Jancis Robinson, and a former judge at the Decanter World Wine Awards, she has earned respect from industry leaders and producers alike. Shortlisted for the IWSC Wine Communicator of the Year in 2022, she has also served as a UN Women UK delegate, demonstrating her commitment to representation and equality beyond her editorial work. Her role as resident wine expert on ITV's Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh, alongside regular appearances on BBC Radio 4 and talkRadio, has made her a trusted voice for audiences seeking accessible, informed perspectives on wine and lifestyle. Through Bonheur Living, her own lifestyle platform, and her fragrance venture Ouverture London, she continues to expand her creative reach whilst maintaining her editorial rigour.

Audiences value Aleesha for her ability to demystify wine and drinks without diluting expertise. Her friendly, unpretentious style makes complex subjects approachable, whether she's discussing terroir, sustainability, or the cultural stories behind a bottle. At events, she offers practical insight that attendees can apply immediately, transforming wine from an intimidating topic into an inclusive conversation. Her focus on ethical production and representation ensures that her talks resonate beyond tasting notes, inspiring audiences to think critically about the choices they make and the industries they support. Organisations gain a speaker who combines warmth with credibility, delivering content that informs, engages, and leaves audiences with a deeper appreciation for the drinks world and the people who shape it.