atthew Jukes, one of Britain’s best-known wine writers, critics and drinks entrepreneurs, has died suddenly while on holiday with his family in Portugal. He was 58.

Jukes died on 6 August. He is survived by his wife, Amelia, their sons, Rollo and Victor, and his daughters, Isadora and Elspeth.
Few figures have enjoyed such a varied and influential career in wine. A gifted communicator with an infectious enthusiasm for the subject, Jukes spent almost four decades introducing consumers and professionals alike to the pleasures of wine through restaurants, newspapers, books, and broadcasting.

His career began in 1987, aged just 19, when he joined Barnes Wine Shop in London, working alongside wine consultant James Rogers. Three years later he became wine buyer at the renowned London restaurant Bibendum, a role he held for 26 years, earning widespread recognition for one of Britain’s most celebrated restaurant wine lists.

Wit and warmth

Alongside his work in hospitality, Jukes established himself as one of the UK’s most recognisable wine broadcasters and journalists. He presented BBC radio programmes, hosted Channel 4’s Wine Hunt, and became a familiar voice explaining wine with warmth, wit and remarkable accessibility.

He was also a prolific author, writing 14 books, including The Wine Book, which was later serialised by the Daily Mail. He subsequently wrote the newspaper’s weekly wine column in the Weekend magazine for 22 years, while also contributing a long-running column to MoneyWeek for more than two decades.

Although his expertise extended across the wine world, Jukes became particularly associated with Australian wine. In recognition of his contribution to promoting Australian producers internationally, he received the Honorary Australian of the Year Award in 2012.

Drinks entrepreneur

His entrepreneurial ambitions extended beyond journalism. During the mid-1990s he co-owned the acclaimed Fulham Road wine bar The Crescent with the late wine merchant Hilary Gibbs. More recently he founded JUKES Cordialities, a range of premium non-alcoholic botanical drinks designed to accompany food, a business that had just secured investment from Whispering Angel creator Sacha Lichine.

What distinguished Jukes throughout his career was his ability to communicate with every type of wine drinker. His tasting notes managed to satisfy experienced collectors while remaining approachable and entertaining for newcomers. He combined deep technical knowledge with an infectious sense of curiosity and genuine excitement about discovering great bottles, whether inexpensive everyday wines or the world’s finest labels.

Devoted family man

Away from wine, he was equally passionate about food, hospitality and sport, particularly rugby, a game in which he excelled during his school years. Friends and colleagues also knew him as an energetic host, a tireless traveller and someone whose enthusiasm for sharing food and wine was matched only by his devotion to his family.

Matthew Jukes leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. As a writer, broadcaster, buyer and entrepreneur, he helped influence how a generation of consumers thought about wine while maintaining a deep understanding of every part of the trade, from restaurant lists and retail shelves to brand building and production.

Tributes from across the wine world are certain to reflect the respect and affection in which he was held. For now, however, the drinks industry is left mourning the loss of one of its brightest and most distinctive voices.

Source; The Drinks Business