Wine writer and entrepreneur Matthew Jukes dies at 58, leaving a legacy of generosity and innovation
The celebrated wine writer and non-alcoholic drinks pioneer died suddenly this week, remembered by colleagues as a mentor who broke down barriers in a traditionally exclusive industry.
Matthew Jukes, the wine writer, entrepreneur and founder of Jukes Cordialities, died suddenly on Tuesday at the age of 58. His death was confirmed by his close friend and fellow wine writer Libby Brodie, who co-hosted last year's Toast the City Awards with him for this newspaper.
Jukes spent four decades shaping the British wine scene, first as a critic and author of the annual 100 Best Australian Wines report, then as a pioneer in the non-alcoholic category with his Jukes Cordialities range. The drinks, which include the award-winning Sparkling Rosé and the Believe collection stocked by Tesco, have earned listings in Michelin-starred restaurants and multiple industry awards since their launch.
A career built on openness
Brodie recalls meeting Jukes early in her career when she was the only woman on an all-male panel. While other panellists ignored her, Jukes introduced himself enthusiastically and deferred questions to her during the session. That inclusivity defined his approach: he refused the gatekeeping that long characterised the wine trade, treating everyone from junior writers to trade veterans with equal respect.
He was immediately respectful, inclusive and supportive, which was a refreshing change at the time.
Colleagues also note his unusual ethical code. Jukes insisted on paying his own way at industry events, arguing that accepting freebies undermined the trade. When hosts covered his bill regardless, he donated the equivalent amount to charity.
Family and legacy
Jukes is survived by his wife Amelia, their daughters and two young sons. Brodie describes him as impossibly devoted to his family, a side he guarded carefully alongside his public persona. At a recent wedding anniversary celebration, he pressed a bottle of vintage tawny port on a guest who had complimented it, only for the recipient to discover its extraordinary value later.
The Jukes Cordialities range continues to trade, with the Sparkling Collection (12 cans for £52) and Jukes 8 Sparkling Rosé (£4 a can at Waitrose, £8 a bottle direct) among the flagship products. The business, built on Jukes's exacting palate and industry relationships, represents his most recent commercial chapter.
Tributes from across the drinks trade this week have emphasised not just his professional achievements but his character. In an industry often criticised for exclusivity, Jukes made a point of holding the door open for others. That, colleagues agree, may be his most enduring contribution.
