Ben Franks, the co-founder and CEO of local wine merchant Novel Wines, has said he is very excited to have been selected as a judge for 2019’s London Wine Competition (LWC).
The yearly event, run by the Beverage Trade Network, aims to recognise and award wines that the consumer rather than a wine expert could happily enjoy on a daily basis.
Wines are judged on three core areas: quality, value for quality and packaging. The LWC aims to make the wine trade increasingly consumer driven, as wine is ultimately for the consumer to enjoy.
Ben Franks’ own company ethos reflects the values of the LWC. Novel Wines won the “Best Wine Merchant Award 2018” by the lifestyle blog Muddy Stilettos after thousands of customers voted online last year.
Ben Franks attributes its success to attentive customer service and creating a wine list, events and services that are tailored to the customer’s needs and always delivering a high-quality experience.
Ben said: “We take great pride in what we do and always look to understand what the client is looking for in terms of price, experience and taste. It took me and Gyorgy [Zsiga, Novel Wines’ other co-founder] nearly three years to perfect our wine list, and we strongly believe in each of our wines.
“It is an honour to know that LWC believes in my taste and ethos too. It will be a fantastic experience.”
The young entrepreneur, aged 24, will join illustrious judges such as the Deputy Head Sommelier of the Ritz in London, the Head Sommelier at the Gordon Ramsay Group and several Masters of Wine in the panel to help making LWC’s vision a reality.
The competition will take place on 21st-22nd March 2019 at the Worx in London and will see entries from around the globe.
The 2018 edition saw the 30 judges having to test hundreds of wines for each category; red, white, sparkling, rosé and dessert.
