Ben Franks
FRSA DipWSET
Ben is a passionate wine and spirits enthusiast, best known for launching the multi-award-winning Novel Wines at the age of 22. He has been described as “One of the UK’s leading wine buyers” in Decanter Magazine and “A leading lad in the wine biz” by The Buyer. As our Managing Director, Ben leads a team of professionals to help you launch and grow your wine and spirits brand in the UK market.
Recognition
Winner: 30 Under 30 Leadership Champion, Harper’s Wine & Spirit Awards 2024
“A shining example of the entrepreneurial spirit,” Angela Mount in The Buyer, 2023
“Ben’s a real credit to the English wine industry,” Sandy Luck, Aldwick Estate
“Ben’s been an absolute hero for Hungarian wines,” Wines of Hungary / Wine Communications, 2024
“One of the UK’s leading wine buyers,” Decanter, July 2019
“[A] Leading lad in the wine biz.” Kate Hawkings, The Buyer, 2019
“As newcomers to the wine scene, Ben is an important contact for us. Since meeting Ben at a wine tasting a few years ago, he has always been on hand to help us; be it through business advice, explanation of the wine trade or by pure wine expertise. Personally, he’s generous, trustworthy, practical and above all has in-depth wine knowledge. Importantly, Ben is authentic – and in my opinion that is a priceless commodity.” Danilo Di Salvo, founder of gVino
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with and for Ben in Novel Wines, especially during the COVID pandemic and I can say that he’s one of the most easy-going and attentive people I’ve ever worked with. His natural talent for creative writing and his knowledge and instinct for the drinks market is admirable, which makes him a sought after consultant in the drinks industry. He’s a delight to work with and to learn from with his huge breadth of experience and knowledge from running such a successful indie wine merchant like Novel Wines. Ben is up to big and important things in the future and he’s a must-know person for anyone who’s looking to invest in the drinks industry or to venture into the UK market.” Deniz Bayram CSW, Sommelier.
“Ben’s knowledge of the wine industry is outstanding and I would highly recommend working with him.” Alison Edgar FSIM, Twice voted the UK’s #1 Adviser
“Ben has a wealth of experience way beyond his years.” Richard Tidswell, Business Consultant
“A highly knowledgeable, non-pretentious (rare!) wine consultancy.” Ash Phillips, founder of Dffrnt & Angel Investor
“Ben is a visionary entrepreneur,” Independent English Wine Awards, 2025.
“One of the trade’s rising stars.” Drink Me Magazine, 2016
“Ben offers a fun, friendly and personal touch to helping you discover some of the most unique and remarkable wines you’ll ever try! He’s truly passionate and knowledgeable about wine and makes it very approachable. He’s always on hand to help with food pairings and introduce you to something new and unheard of – wines that you won’t find elsewhere.” Lisa Solovieva MBA, Zenith Global
“Ben is brilliant at recommending wines to match food.” Helen Rich, Taste of Bath
“Working with Ben is a pleasure. He is someone who cares about his customers and the reputation of the wines he recommends.” Barrie Grey, Bath Spa University
“Ben is a delight to know; good integrity, unpretentious, efficient, ambitious, multi-awards nominee and winner, knowledgeable about the wine business and his novel products. I easily recommend him to all of my trusted business colleagues, contacts, connections as a trustworthy deal-making businessman.” Simon Gall, Investment Communities
“Ben’s down to earth style and depth of knowledge about wine was a breath of fresh air […] I can honestly say that if it wasn’t for Ben I wouldn’t have tried so many different wines from around the world, and learned how to select and enjoy them.” Angela MacAusland, Federation of Small Businesses Regional Chair
“Ben has a lovely manner about him, he is charming, patient and incredibly knowledgeable.” Dani Barraclough
“Ben’s knowledge is extensive, he was brilliant. Highly recommended!” Kimberley Murray
“Ben was a real find.” Michael Ford, Salisbury Diocese
“Our Members were impressed with both Ben’s amazing knowledge and his delicious wines.” Charvil Wine Circle