We help you build a better brand through a diverse and exciting set of voices.
At Ben Franks Wine, Ben is supported by an outstanding team of industry professionals. From Kat who manages the day to day at BFW to our awesome team of researchers and writers, you can learn more about them here and read their latest insights.
Ben Franks FRSA DipWSET Managing Director
Ben leads the consultancy on strategy to launch and grow your wine and spirits product in the UK market. He has a plethora of key contacts in the trade when it comes to branding, distribution, marketing and PR. Ben is also the co-founder of both Novel Wines and Canned Wine Co, and a judge at WineGB, the IEWA and international drinks awards.
Kat Agg Account Manager
Kat is an experienced accounts manager and creative strategist, helping Ben achieve the best results for his clients. Kat has worked with Ben to produce various creative projects including video media, product launches, podcast series, and more. Kat keeps the cogs moving!
Peter Gray Researcher
Peter is a student in Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Bath Spa University. He has previously volunteered as a researcher in Agora South-West and looks forward to a promising long career as a researcher.
Sophia Longhi Contributor & Podcast Co-Host
Sophia Longhi is an award-winning wine communicator, writer and wine tastings host. She is an Ambassador and judge for the People’s Choice Drinks Awards and was featured as one of Wine GB’s Great British Wine Industry Women of 2021. Most recently, she won the IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication Award 2022.
Jessica Summer Contributor & Cheese Expert
Jess is the founder of Mouse & Grape and a cheese and wine pairing connoisseur. Honing her craft in hospitality, PR and property, Jess now runs a business dedicated to the enjoyment of cheese and wine. She is qualified with both WSET and Academy of Cheese training, and leads a legion of cheese and wine fans on Instagram.
Kris Pathirana Contributor
Kris is a professional screenwriter who has received multiple commissions from prominent Hollywood and UK studios, recently selling his first television pilot to Universal. A keen wine enthusiast, he has also written for celebrated food and wine publications like Noble Rot magazine. We are excited to welcome his unique insight to our writing team at BFW.
Ellie Scott Contributor
Ellie is a WSET-certified wine consultant and popular communicator who joins Ben Franks Wine to share her love for wine, culture and travel.
Archie is a WSET-certified wine communicator best known for her Instagram blog Wine Away The Day, which she set-up in 2018 to educate, promote and inspire people on the wines of the world in a fun, accessible way. Archie works with wine brands to support their marketing strategy.
Ollie Coleman Contributor
After a somewhat dry career as a security analyst in the Middle East, Ollie dived into the wine trade six years ago, cutting his teeth in wine retail, private client sales and hosting tasting events. Ollie is currently a Master of Wine student, having started the course in 2023, and an editor for the website JancisRobinson.com.
Luma Monteiro Contributor
Luma is a marketing executive for fine wines, wholesale and retail. She is the founder of Wineria, one of the country’s most successful wine instagram accounts, and an experienced judge at Decanter, IWSC and various other international wine awards. In 2023, Luma won the IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication Award.
Jon Reay Contributor
Jon is a digital in drinks specialist who has worked with the likes of Diageo, William Grant & Sons, and Just Eat. He is the founder of the digital consultancy, Rewrite Digital. Jon has led conversations on digital strategy in the south west and releases a regular digital in drinks report.
Chloé Bemba Researcher
Chloé is a masters student in International Security at the University of Bath. She was a featured writer on the Loughborough University’s blog during her undergrad and used to live in Pointe-Noire, Congo.
Guest Contributors
Graeme Brandham Digital | Graeme Brandham is a former character animator who has gone from working in children’s television to becoming a certified wine geek and web 3.0 professional. As a wine geek (WSET 3), and web 3.0 consultant, Graeme loves to leverage his background in storytelling to create engaging content that explores these fascinating topics.
Alistair Morrell MBA Cider | Alistair started his wine career in Wigan in the 1980s before moving to a role in a London store, then travel and winery work in Australia, New Zealand and California. Upon return Oddbins and Booths awaited followed by a buying role in ASDA in the 1990s. The noughties saw a role with the discovery of Yellow Tail, introducing it in Morrisons and Oddbins, and then various others. Having developed brands for Aldi, Alistair studied for an MBA at Henley Business School, where the idea for Cider Is Wine emerged.
