Ben Howkins is the UK's foremost writer and expert on Port & Sherry
Introducing Ben Howkins
Ben Howkins is regarded as the UK’s foremost writer and expert on both port and sherry.
He was awarded the Vintners Scholarship in 1963, the youngest person to receive this award, and the experience gained then, in Europe's vineyards and working with many leading vintners, inspired his commitment to educating others to the enjoyment of wine - particularly fortified and dessert wines.
Ben’s corporate career with IDV, the forerunner to Diageo, included senior management positions as Export Marketing Director of Croft port and sherry and Managing Director of Morgan Furze, then the leading Mayfair wine merchants. The innovative international structure of IDV gave him the vision and disciplines for pioneering new avenues in the industry.
Ben’s entrepreneurial ventures have included: consulting for Moet & Chandon and Laurent Perrier, co-founding The Royal Tokaji Wine Company to bring Hungary's legendary sweet wine to the wider world, creating Waddesdon Wine Cellars at the invitation of Lord Rothschild, becoming a director of rare spirit hunters Last Drop Distillers, and co-founding Wine Cellar Consultants to advise on bespoke wine cellars.
A prolific writer, Ben Howkins has contributed many articles on wine to consumer and trade magazines. His books include the International Wine & Food Society's guide to port ‘Rich Rare & Red’ and ‘Real Men drink Port…and Ladies do too!’ and, most recently, ‘SHERRY’ on sherry.
He is a member of the Vintners Company and has lectured for the Wine and Spirit Education Trust, for which he has served as Trustee. Ben is also an International Wine Judge, public speaker and has led many visits to vineyards in Europe and South America. He has travelled extensively to the USA and China, promoting his companies' brands.
He is co-founder of the Royal Tokaji Wine Company and, as a founding member of the Tokaji Renaissance, is dedicated to re-establishing recognition for Tokaji Aszu as one of the world's greatest wines.
