{"product_id":"adventures-in-the-wine-trade-diary-of-a-vintners-scholar-9781913141455","title":"Adventures in the Wine Trade: Diary of a Vintner's Scholar","description":"\u003cp\u003e- A look at the business of wine and spirits sales and marketing over 50 years\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- A nostalgic look at how an industry has changed with mentions of many fabulous and famous people the author came across\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Foreword by Hugh Johnson\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"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 \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBen Howkins is a stalwart of the UK wine and spirits industry, with roles in sales and marketing across a range of brands and companies including Diageo, Royal Tokaji and Last Drop Distillers and he was involved in creating some of the great brands of drinks. A lively raconteur, he has published two books on port and one on sherry. He created the cellar at Waddesdon Manor for Lord Rothschild.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Academie Du Vin Library Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50648658608402,"sku":"9781913141455","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_e3f1435a-e57a-4e77-b853-906f009660a7.jpg?v=1733246639","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/adventures-in-the-wine-trade-diary-of-a-vintners-scholar-9781913141455","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}