Adventures in the Wine Trade

"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 everyones faces. In true vinous style, Bens book is sure to do the same. Plumbing the depths: - Bens 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 chteaux, Spanish bodegas and Portuguese quintas, where Ben forged many of the friendships that would last a lifetime. - Serious business: Bens 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.