Hi! We’re expert brand builders for wines and spirits

We help the world’s finest wine and spirits brands launch into the UK market and grow their market share. Led by the award-winning entrepreneur and former drinks journalist, Ben Franks FRSA. 

Reach the customers who matter to you most. Book a no obligation, free of charge call with our team today.

Ben Franks Wine - Expert Brand Builders for Wines and Spirits
Ben Franks at 8 Stony Street wine bar

People, Place, Moments.

Ben’s passion for wine comes from his love of stories. Wine is about people, provenance and the moments in which it’s shared. Part of this passion involves building an enviable network of people in the trade and a level of trust that wins you business. It also means we have the pleasure to choose who we work with, meaning we only work with the best. If you would like to read more about Ben’s journey, or book a no obligation call, click below.

Part of a great consultancy is perpective. Ben works with an array of exceptional people both in and out of the wine trade to provide the whole picture to his clients at Ben Franks Wine. Many of our team share regular insights right here on our website, while others are invaluable in making introductions and ensuring all the administration goes smoothly so you can focus on your brand’s success. Find out all about Ben’s team by clicking the link below.

What has Ben and the team been up to?

2023

In 2023, new writers joined the Ben Franks Wine insights team and two new researchers were also hired for a report series and drinks trade market analysis. As the consultancy continues to grow, Ben handed over the reigns at Novel Wines to new management but remains as a board member and director. In the Summer, Ben joined the advisory board of two drinks start-ups. Ben Franks Wine’s official YouTube channel was launched in June 2023.

2022

In 2022, Ben launched his brand new consultancy website with a team of writers that include writer, influencer and IWSC Communicator of the Year Sophia Longhi, Hollywood screenwriter and wine writer Kris Pathirana, cheese specialist Jess Summer, international wine judge Luma Monteiro, digital drinks consultant Jon Reay and many more. Ben also partnered with Sophia to launch an all-new wine podcast called Wine Flight.

2021

In 2021, 6 years into the wine trade, Ben passed the WSET Diploma in Wines. Ben also becomes a panel judge at the Independent English Wine Awards and is hired as the Hungarian wine specialist for the short-lived Wines of Eastern Europe project.

2020

Ben is recognised by the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (FRSA) and is nominated to become a member. The nomination is partly for his entrepreneurialism in wine and spirits, and for his work with young entrepreneurs through mentoring and supporting Bath Spa University, Bath College, University of West England, and Beechen Cliff School Sixth Form. In 2020, Ben is also ranked #8 in the Bath Power List 100, an annual list of movers and shakers voted for by the general public..

2019

Ben is described as ‘One of the UK’s leading wine buyers’ by Decanter Magazine and ‘A leading lad in the wine biz’ by Kate Hawkings in The Buyer. In the same year, Ben invests in and becomes a co-founder and director of Canned Wine Co., the UK’s first premium canned wine business. Canned Wine Co. today is stocked in the National Trust, National Gallery, Harrods, The Belfry, over 200 independents, and in export markets across Europe. Building on the success of his wine businesses, Ben relaunches his consultancy focusing on wine and spirits’ route to market. He also becomes a panel judge at the London Wine Competition, run by the Beverage Trade Network.

2017

Ben joined the West of England Wine & Spirits Association as a committee member, supporting the trade in the local area, organising events and the WSET programme. Other committee members include Christopher Fielden, Mimi Avery, and Ed Adams MW. In 2017, Ben is named as one of the Future 15 entrepreneurs to watch by the Young Entrepreneurs Networking Association (YENA) alongside names like Gymshark founder Ben Francis.

2016

Ben is named as one of the trade’s “rising stars” by Drink Me Magazine, an online publication. In April that year, he set up Novel Wines Ltd with importer Gyorgy Zsiga. Ben was 22 years old. As the business’ CEO and Wine Buyer, it would go on to be crowned ‘Best Specialist Retailer – Central and Eastern Europe’ four consecutive years running, picked up an IWC award for Best Southern & Eastern Europe wine range, and was named in Harper’s Best 50 Indies. As well as setting up Novel Wines, Ben received his first judging role at WineGB’s Midlands & North English wine competition, alongside David Bird MW.

2015

Ben Franks graduated from Bath Spa University with a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing. An aspiring journo, Ben was inspired to take the exam after being commissioned to interview Sam Lindo, winemaker at Camel Valley Vineyard in Cornwall, for a feature on English wines. Before graduating, he achieved Distinction in Wines & Spirits with the WSET Level 2. Later that year, to support a new career as a wine journo, Ben sets up Ben Franks Wine, designing restaurant wine lists and hosting tasting sessions across the south west. In 2015, Ben also became the magazine wine writer for Bath Life, Crumbs, UK Vine, Drink Me Magazine and Bath.co.uk.

2014

While still at University and running his student magazine, Ben joins the Federation of Small Businesses Bath branch committee. Ben stayed on the committee for four years and as part of his tenure was the region’s Food, Drink & Hospitality Ambassador. In 2014, Ben also wrote the drinks column for Peppermint Bars.

Ben Franks Wine Ltd is a company registered in England & Wales (12077133). VAT Reg GB 420 0517 56.