Cateys 2026: Wine and Spirit Ambassador Award – Sunny Hodge

Sunny Hodge is the founder and director of Diogenes the Dog wine bar and café in London’s Elephant and Castle. Judges were thoroughly impressed by his outstanding entry, which demonstrated his inventive and informed approach to wine.

Hodge, a graduate of mechanical engineering from UCL and a former host at Gaucho, has always sought to combine his love of science and hospitality. As the founder and owner of wine bars Diogenes the Dog, which he launched in Walworth in 2018, and Aspen & Meursault in London’s Battersea, which he opened in 2021, he delivers wine education to his guests with a focus on new regions such as Texas, Poland, China and Taiwan.

He also operates Diogenes the Dog Trade, a wholesale division that distributes wine to hospitality businesses looking to diversify their wine lists. He showcases biodynamic vineyards from Eastern Thrace in Turkey to Noah of Areni in Armenia, as well as Naberauli Wines from Georgia.

In his recently published book, The Cynic’s Guide to Wine, he challenges the ways the industry talks and thinks about wine. Since it hit bookstores in April 2025, the guide has become the publisher’s most-sold book and was also one of only four books to be listed in The New York Times’ ‘Most Interesting Wine Books of 2025’. In addition, he is a regular wine contributor for the likes of Waitrose Food magazine, the London Standard, The Times and The Guardian.

His passion for wine education knows no bounds. Hodge has started building a new wine qualification, called the Science of Wine Course, which is due to be rolled out in 2027-2028 to attract scientifically-minded individuals aiming for a career in hospitality. As well as being an international wine judge for the International Wine & Spirit Competition and Decanter World Wine Awards, he is a mentor for Drinklusive, a long-standing programme from the Drinks Trust, and a member of its steering committee.

As the judges said, it was Hodge’s “unique” perspective on wine and his “deep love” for the industry that really stood him out from a competitive set of submissions.

What the judges said

“Hodge’s broad outreach and positive message stands him out as a clear winner in this category. From listing wines from obscure sources to his book, The Cynic’s Guide to Wine, he has proven his deep love for the industry knows no bounds. Moreover, his work with the Drinks Trust puts much back into the industry. A worthy winner, congratulations!” Matthew Mawtus

“Sunny’s dedication and approach are a true testament of his passion. Taking a different, more scientific approach to wine feels unique, especially the way his media are delivered. His involvement with the Drinks Trust adds an extra layer to his commitment.” Romain Bourger

The shortlist

• Rudina Arapi, London Hilton on Park Lane
• Kelly Bishop, Manchester Wine Tours
• Sunny Hodge, Diogenes the Dog and Aspen & Meursault 
• Richard Lockstone, Hotel du Vin and Malmaison

The judges

• Nina Basset, Gérard Basset Foundation
• Zoe Burgess, Atelier Pip
• Romain Bourger, the Vineyard
• Nicolas Clerc, Vins-Clairs
• Chidde Ly, Atrtfarm
• Matthew Mawtus, the Hedonism Group