Meet the Team

Richard Morley 

@rich.morley_ 

Co-Founder

After eight years at the forefront of wine publishing, working with hundreds of the world’s leading wine brands, Richard saw the untapped potential in quality social media within the wine sector.

In 2019 Richard left his position as Head of Sales at Decanter Magazine and, together with Co-Founder Laura Seal, launched FirstPour – a social media marketing agency that is uniquely positioned to understand the inner workings of the wine market.

As an avid wine photographer Richard is often balancing wine glass with camera and can be found at: @rich.morley_ 

Laura Seal

Co-Founder

Laura’s journey into wine began at Decanter Magazine, where she worked as Content Creator on Decanter.com, while also writing features for the magazine.

Besides writing travel guides, learning content, and news stories for Decanter, she has also contributed to Country Life and Food&Wine Magazine.

In 2019 Laura co-founded FirstPour, where uses her years of experience as a drinks industry journalist to create dynamic and informed digital content.

Janine van Zyl

@diekeldermeisie 

Account Manager

Janine is passionate about all things wine, spirits and gastronomy. She is a fully qualified chef and is at an advanced stage of completing the Cape Wine Master qualification.

Having won a myriad of awards including 30 under 30 in the South African wine industry (Winelands Magazine), the Dame Prue Leith Alumni Award and the Ubuntu Sommelier competition, she regularly judges at food, wine, and spirit competitions. 



With over 14 years in the drinks and hospitality industry, Janine brings a wealth of experience to the team and her clients based in the Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and the USA.

Natalie Britz

Content Manager  

Natalie grew up in Stellenbosch, surrounded by some of the most beautiful vineyards in the world (in her humble opinion). After graduating with an Honours degree in Marketing she was introduced to the wine scene, working as a Marketing Assistant for an internationally recognised South African winery.

As a talented writer, designer and marketeer, Natalie diligently curates content plans, writes, designs and publishes content for FirstPour clients.

Nika Shevela

Wine Writer

Nika is a multilingual wine educator, copywriter and content creator who has been both quoted in Forbes and featured in Condé Nast Traveler. Following her background in translation and interpreting, she has spent the last 7 years focused on wine, both as an educator and content creator.

Her work combines a holistic knowledge of the industry with a focus on quality, original content optimised for digital media.

Robin Kenny

Outreach Specialist

Robin is an Ex Sommelier turned Winemaker. His hospitality career started working in multiple establishments across Cape Town. He then spread his wings and worked as a sommelier in Dubai which is where he had his "aha" wine moment serving (and tasting) a bottle of 1945 Petrus.

He has since competed his WSET level 3 and is currently studying his diploma while working as an assistant winemaker at Koelenhof winery and as an Outreach Specialist for FirstPour

His wine discovery of the year is the "Roagna Barbaresco Paje Vecchi Viti 2017" - once you taste it, it’ll be yours too!

Francisco Seixas

Paid Social Specialist

Born and raised in Porto, Francisco has been surrounded by the rich culture and history of wine through his life, something which has profoundly influenced his career.



Combining his love of wine and a keen eye for detail, Francisco began his career in digital marketing working in the wine tourism sector. His work was instrumental in increasing awareness and developing sales strategies that significantly boosted the number of wine enthusiasts visiting Portugal's wine regions.

Francisco applies this knowledge to his role at FirstPour where he oversees DTC sales campaigns, lead-generation strategies, and brand awareness campaigns for our clients.

Pamela Makhubele

Outreach Specialist

Pamela joined the FirstPour team in February 2021. She has a Cape Wine Academy Certification, WSET level 2 qualification and is studying level 1 of the California Wine Certification.

She lives by the philosophy, "Never say no to bubbly", as such, you are likely to find a blanc de blanc or a full bodied Bordeaux blend in her glass.

Clint Van Heerden

Outreach Specialist

Clint brings with him a wealth of wine knowledge to his work having obtained distinctions for both the South African Wine Certificate and the Diploma Wine Course.

As an avid bookworm with a passion for digital learning, Clint is currently completing the Champagne MOOC by The Comité Interprofessionel du Vin de Champagne, and the California Wine Capstone Certification.

What are you likely to find in his glass? Probably a lightly oaked Chardonnay or a Rhône-style blend!

Marthinique de Bruin

Outreach Specialist

Born and raised in an area where you can’t see a vine in sight, Marthinique’s journey with wine started in 2015 when she joined Stellenbosch University to study BScAgric in Viticulture and Oenology.

After receiving her degree, Marthinique started working in the South African wine industry as a seasonal assistant winemaker and travelled to Austria to do harvest season there.

Marthinique joined the FirstPour team in August 2021 while still getting her hands dirty in the cellar where she works her 9 to 5 as an Assistant Winemaker in Stellenbosch.

Heinrich Möller

Outreach Specialist

Having grown up in South Africa’s Cape Winelands, Heinrich has been surrounded by some of the worlds best wineries throughout his life.

His passion for wine developed while studying Chemical Engineering at Stellenbosch University. The chemistry behind wine and spirit making was fascinating to Heinrich and led him to take a Diploma in Distilling and join FirstPour as an Outreach Specialist.

Heinrich continues on his wine leaning journey constantly expanding his knowledge of regions and styles as well as tasting new producers whenever he gets the chance. Currently, you’ll find a medium-bodied, fruity Pinot Noir in his glass.

Erika Hämmerle

Junior Account Manager

Born in Argentina’s wine capital Mendoza, Erika knew from a young age she wanted to work in wine. After completing her Advanced Degree in Oenology and Viticulture in 2018 she began her career working at leading wineries including Viña Cobos (Paul Hobbs), Terrazas de Los Andes (LVMH) and Nieto Senetiner.

In 2022 Erika moved to Europe where she worked a harvest in Austria’s Wachau Valley before taking on the position of Junior Account Manager at FirstPour where she supports with the management of client accounts and campaigns.

Natalia Bobeica

Outreach Manager

Natalia, originally from Moldova, embarked on a journey across Europe to explore the finest wines, fueling her passion for all things wine.

With an impressive background in viticulture and wine analysis, Natalia holds a Ph.D. in Viticulture and a Master's in Viticulture, Winemaking, and Wine Management. Her academic foundation forms the bedrock of her expertise, spanning over 14 years of experience.

Fluent in multiple languages, she excels as a communicator and collaborator, connecting effortlessly with diverse individuals and forging meaningful partnerships.

Katherine Berchulski Harris

Wine Writer

American born, Katherine moved to picturesque Stellenbosch, South Africa to attend university and has called the wine region home for the past 20 years.

With a sparkling 12-year tenure as Head of Marketing for one of South Africa's most illustrious wine brands, Katherine's palate and expertise extend far beyond mere appreciation. Her in-depth grasp of premiumization in wine led her to a pivotal role as a committee member for the esteemed Stellenbosch Cabernet Collective.

Today, she marries her expertise with a flair for storytelling, crafting compelling narratives for super-premium wine brands.

As for the perennial question, "What's in her glass?" - a rich, robust Stellenbosch Cabernet, naturally!