Andrew Hawes is a highly respected figure in the wine & spirits industry, and Managing Director of Mentzendorff & Co Ltd.
Founded in 1858, Mentzendorff has been one of the UK’s leading wine importers for over 160 years. At the core of their portfolio of fine wines and spirits are the globally renowned brands Champagne Bollinger and port houses Taylor’s, Fonseca and Croft. Mentzendorff also represents a carefully chosen selection of independent, family-owned wine producers including Klein Constantia, Jean-Luc Colombo and Bodegas Hidalgo.
On joining Mentzendorff in 1996, Andrew was tasked with forming a national accounts team and his success saw him appointed to the board. Andrew was made Managing Director in 2004 and leads a passionate and dedicated team, making exceptional service a priority. Andrew is credited with helping Mentzendorff evolve and adapt to the modern market whilst upholding the firm’s heritage and traditions.
Andrew previously worked at Champagne de Venoge where, as Managing Director, he was responsible for setting up their UK subsidiary. He started his career in wine as a graduate trainee at Matthew Clark, who at the time were agents for Taittinger Champagne and Graham’s Port.
Andrew is Chairman of the UK’s Champagne Agents Association and is part of the Société Jacques Bollinger management committee.
Andrew’s philanthropic activities include his work as a Trustee of The Drinks Trust, a charity that provides assistance to people working in the drinks industry. He is also Secretary of The Madame Bollinger Foundation, one of the main supporters of the Institute of Masters of Wine.
In 2020 Andrew was awarded Fundraiser of the Year by the Vintners’ livery company. A passionate cyclist, Andrew has organised and ridden in ten Mentzendorff Charity Rides, and helped raise significant funds for The Drinks Trust. He has also taken part in five Dallaglio Cycle Slams supporting the work of Dallaglio RugbyWorks charity.
