Robinson is one of the most influential wine writers in the world and the award is in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the international wine trade.
The Vintners’ Company, one of the City of London’s oldest livery companies that received its first Royal Charter in 1363, has only bestowed the coveted Freeman Honoris Causa on 26 people in its history. Robinson is only the fourth women.
“Jancis is one of the most influential and charismatic voices in wine today” said the Master of the Worshipful Company of Vintners, Michael Cox, “and we are proud to make her an Honorary Freeman of this ancient livery company and especially in our 650th year.”
Robinson become the first non-trade master of wine in 1984, was named Decanter’s Man of the Year in 1999, and was awarded an OBE in 2003. She has written or edited numerous reference books on wine including The Oxford Companion to Wine, The World Atlas of Wine, and more recently Wine Grapes which recently won the James Beard ‘Best Wine Book of 2012 in New York.
Robinson is the wine correspondent for the Financial Times and consults for the royal household on the Queen’s cellar. Her website jancisrobinson.com is much acclaimed. With her husband, the restaurateur and author Nick Lander, she founded and runs Wine Relief as part of the Comic Relief charity. Robinson is also honorary president of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust.
