Ben Howkins grew up in rural Northamptonshire, spent a year studying at the prestigious American college Amherst at the behest of his influential stepmother, then returned home to begin his working life at the local Phipps Brewery. But then, more by luck than judgement, he was awarded a coveted Scholarship by the Worshipful Company of Vintners — and so began a 60-year rollercoaster journey through the world of fine wine.

Quickly discovering that a knowledge of wine opened doors that were closed to lesser mortals, Ben had a front row seat as the wine trade grew from an elitist and rather amateurish profession into a multimillion dollar global business. This is the story of how it happened, and of the many remarkable characters he befriended along the way – people whose marketing genius was matched only by their desire to put a smile on everyone’s faces. In true vinous style, Ben’s book is sure to do the same.

• Plumbing the depths: Ben’s valiant attempts to sell wine to beer-loving miners, which involved actually joining them at the coal face.

• Serious business: Ben’s career takes off during the golden age of wine and spirits marketing, when he played a part bringing many of the world-famous brands we know and love today into being.

• To the manor born: Ben joins Lord Rothschild to help transform Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire, into one of the premier showcases for fine wine in the Western world.

• Mád world: Ben teams up with Hugh Johnson to revive the fortunes of Hungary’s fabled Tokaji wines and embarks on a series of star-studded adventures that span the globe, from Shanghai to Hollywood.