Sommelier Trainer / Consultant

Show judging, wine writing, consulting to restaurants and hosting corporate wine events are just some of the roles Ben plays in the Australian wine scene. Add to this 7 years of Presidency of Sommeliers Australia, co-contributing to Australia's most respected annual wine publication, the James Halliday Australian Wine Companion and 19 years experience of serving and talking about wine, it is not hard to see why he has made his mark in the industry he knows and loves.

Coming from a hospitality background, Ben worked in some of Melbourne’s award winning restaurants as Head Sommelier. In 1999, he won the prestigious Champagne Devaux Young Sommelier Award, and in 2003 was awarded the honour of being Dux of The Len Evans Tutorial (regarded as the most exclusive wine school in the world).    

While starting up The Wine Guide, Ben began studying for his Master of Wine (MW) and has progressed to the second year of the program with the intention of completing it in this lifetime. 

Right now, Ben keeps himself busy judging at different regional wines shows including Royal Sydney, Royal Adelaide, The National Wines Show in Canberra and the Victorian Wines Show.  He has been involved with the Cool Climate Wine Show since its inception and was appointed Creative Director – Wine, for the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival as well as hosting the Langham Master Class weekend.

Ben also writes for magazines on a freelance basis and was a regular contributor to the A2 section of The Age for 18 months, focusing on Victorian boutique wineries.

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