Heft’s General Manager, Dan Bennett has been recognised in the third edition of the Harpers Wine & Spirit Magazine 30 Under 30 list.
Dan was invited to attend the London Wine Fair on Monday 20th May, where he discovered that he’d been included in this year’s Harpers list recognising the wine and spirit industry’s future leaders.
The judges received over 100 nominations and entries from across the UK this year, from which the judges compiled their long list of prospective winners. They then invited potential candidates from their list to provide them with additional detailed information to support their entry / nomination covering six key criteria: Leadership, Commitment, Communication, Innovation, Education and Sustainability.
With all supporting information collated the judges then met over a two-day period, to undertake the unenviable task of whittling the numbers down to arrive at their final 30, including six standout champions, who were chosen from each the judging criteria.
This year’s judging panel included: Katy Keating, MD, Flint Wines, Kim Wilson, MD & founder, North South Wines, Michael Saunders, CEO, Coterie Holdings, Miles Beale, chief executive, WSTA, Rachel Webster, global APP development director, WSET, Regine Lee MW, MD, Indigo Wines, and Jo Gilbert, head judge and deputy editor, Harpers Wine & Spirit
The 30 under 30 as well as including Heft’s general manager and head sommelier Dan Bennett, features a whole array of talent from every aspect of the UK’s wine and spirits industry, including winemakers, brand managers, sommeliers, distillers, retail managers, account executives, communicators, and buyers to name a few.
Head judge and Harpers deputy editor Jo Gilbert remarked: ‘’As the industry faces major staffing issues, it is encouraging to see how much passion, drive and talent will soon be making its way into top leadership positions, if it hasn’t already. Three years in, we have noted that many of our finalists sit at the top of the age bracket (27-29). As you might expect, it’s those few years of extra experience and practical skills which help applicants to shine.’’
Heft’s general manager and head sommelier Dan Bennett remarked: ‘’It’s been a bit hectic since I found out that I’d been chosen among the Harpers 30 under 30. It’s not something I was expecting to be recognised for. I’ve been interested in wine and drinks broadly since I became involved in the hospitality industry after I graduated from university, it’s a something that I enjoy sharing with others, especially with our guests at Heft. I love chatting about different wine styles, new wines, spirits, and beers I’ve found or new artisan producers that I’ve come across, and I certainly didn’t expect to get any form of recognition for what I enjoy and do day to day – you might say I’m made up!’’
