Full Description
"A charming, entertaining, and illuminating read - not only for all those in or around the wine trade, but also for all those outside who want to see in to what makes it so special. " - Neil Beckett, Editor, World of Fine Wine
The memoirs of a wine trade insider, from the heady days of 1960s to today. Quickly discovering that a knowledge of wine opened doors that were closed to lesser mortals, Ben had a front row seat as the wine trade grew from an elitist and rather amateurish profession into a multi-million dollar global business. This is the story of how it happened, and of the many remarkable characters he befriended along the way - people whose marketing genius was matched only by their desire to put a smile on everyone's faces. In true vinous style, Ben's book is sure to do the same.
Plumbing the depths: - Ben's valiant attempts to sell wine to beer-loving miners, which involved actually joining them at the coal face.
- Englishman abroad: a jolly jaunt through French châteaux, Spanish bodegas and Portuguese quintas, where Ben forged many of the friendships that would last a lifetime.
- Serious business: Ben's career takes off during the golden age of wine and spirits marketing, when he played a part bringing many of the world-famous brands we know and love today into being.
Contents
Foreword 6
Introduction 8
1 Lost in France 10
2 Jerez, Oporto and Bordeaux 1963 22
3 On the Road 36
4 Towards Enlightenment 45
5 From Gin Palace to Quinta 53
6 A World of Wine Beckons 64
7 Mayfair Wine Merchant 79
8 Happy Consulting 94
9 To the Manor Born 106
10 Mád World 118
11 Spreading the Word 131
12 Old Friends 149
Appendix - Ben'
s 1963 Vintners' Scholar Reports 158
Index 218
Acknowledgements 224
