Helen McGinn: Author, Drinks Writer and Presenter
Helen McGinn has become a well-recognised voice in the world of wine, fiction, and lifestyle writing. With her unique blend of professional expertise, personal storytelling, and approachable tone, she has built a career that spans international wine judging, consultancy, publishing, and broadcasting. Her journey from supermarket wine buyer to celebrated author and presenter makes her an inspiring figure for many who wish to merge passion with profession.
Early Life and Education
University Years
Helen McGinn studied at the University of Exeter between 1992 and 1995, graduating with a 2:1 in Society, Economy and Social Policy. While at university, she was actively involved in the Wine Society, a detail that proved to be an early indication of the career path she would later embrace.
Her time at Exeter laid the foundation for a deep interest in people, culture, and the social aspects of food and drink. This academic grounding, coupled with her passion for wine, gave her the skills and confidence to pursue a career in the drinks industry.
Career Beginnings
Tesco Stores Ltd
Helen’s career started at Tesco Stores Ltd, where she spent nine years (1995–2004) as a Product Development Manager. In this role, she honed her expertise in sourcing wines and beverages, managing product ranges, and understanding consumer needs on a large scale. Working within one of the UK’s biggest supermarket chains gave her valuable experience in global markets and supply chains.
Copestick Murray
In 2006, she joined Copestick Murray, a global drinks sourcing and distribution company, as a Director. For more than five years, until 2011, she worked at the highest level of product development and brand building. Her role here expanded her network and solidified her reputation as an authority in the drinks trade.
Helen McGinn Associates
In 2011, Helen founded Helen McGinn Associates, her consultancy business. Through this venture, she has been able to provide independent expertise on wine and drinks to a wide range of clients. Her consultancy work has allowed her to combine her professional background with flexibility, giving her the opportunity to explore other avenues such as writing, presenting, and judging international wine competitions.
Writing Career
The Knackered Mother’s Wine Club
Helen rose to prominence with her award-winning blog, The Knackered Mother’s Wine Club. What began as a personal project to share wine recommendations with friends soon grew into a widely read platform. Its accessible and humorous style resonated with readers who wanted expert advice without intimidation.
The success of the blog led to her first non-fiction book, The Knackered Mother’s Wine Guide, which was published in 2013. The book became popular for its down-to-earth approach, helping readers to understand and enjoy wine without jargon. A revised edition was later released in 2020.
Other Non-Fiction Works
Beyond wine, Helen has also written books on cocktails and alcohol-free alternatives, including Homemade Cocktails and Teetotal Tipples. These works further reinforced her reputation as a trusted voice on drinks, catering to a wide audience with diverse interests.
Boldwood Books and Fiction Writing
In March 2020, Helen signed with Boldwood Books as a freelance author. Since then, she has written a series of successful novels. Her fiction titles include:
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This Changes Everything (2021)
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In Just One Day (2021)
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This Is Us (2022)
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The Island of Dreams (2024)
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Under a Riviera Moon (2025)
Her novels are characterised by warmth, wit, and emotional depth, often exploring themes of love, family, and resilience. Transitioning from wine writing to fiction showcased her versatility as an author and opened up new audiences for her work.
Television and Media Work
Helen is also a familiar face on British television. She regularly appears as a drinks expert on shows such as BBC’s Saturday Kitchen and ITV’s This Morning. Her approachable manner and engaging style have made her a popular guest, helping viewers navigate the often-daunting world of wine.
In addition, she writes for various publications, including Waitrose Food Magazine, where her articles on wine and drinks continue to educate and entertain.
Personal Life
Age
Helen McGinn was born in 1972. She celebrated her 52nd birthday in September 2024, which makes her 53 years old in 2025.
Husband and Family
Helen is married to Ross McGinn, and together they live in the New Forest in Hampshire, England. The couple have three children, and Helen often speaks about the balance between family life and career. Her personal experiences have shaped much of her writing, particularly in her blog and early works.
Brother
A deeply personal part of Helen’s life story is the loss of her brother, Tim, in 2002. She has written movingly about this in her blog and in various articles, highlighting how such experiences have shaped her outlook on life, family, and resilience.
Health and Illness
There is no public record of Helen suffering from any serious long-term illness. However, she has shared experiences of undergoing a knee operation in 2023 and her subsequent recovery. Beyond this, she has not publicly disclosed any significant health issues. Her openness about everyday challenges contributes to the authenticity her readers and followers appreciate.
Awards and Recognition
Helen McGinn has received multiple awards for her work in wine writing and blogging. Notably, she was named Online Drink Writer of the Year at the Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards, and she has been recognised by Red Magazine as Best Blogger. These accolades demonstrate her influence and contribution to the drinks industry.
Social Media and Public Presence
Helen maintains a strong online presence, particularly through her Instagram account, @knackeredmother, where she has over 130,000 followers. Her posts combine professional updates, book promotions, wine recommendations, and glimpses into her personal life. This digital connection allows her to reach a wide audience and build a community around her work.
Legacy and Impact
Helen McGinn’s impact lies in her ability to make wine and drinks accessible to everyone, regardless of background or expertise. She has successfully bridged the gap between professional knowledge and everyday enjoyment, encouraging people to approach wine with curiosity and confidence.
Her fiction writing has further cemented her as a versatile author, capable of capturing the complexities of human relationships in engaging stories. Whether through her novels, non-fiction works, or media appearances, Helen continues to inspire and entertain.
Conclusion
Helen McGinn’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. From her early days as a supermarket wine buyer to becoming a celebrated author and television presenter, she has carved out a unique career path that blends professional expertise with personal authenticity.
At 53 years old, she shows no sign of slowing down. With a growing list of novels, continued consultancy work, and regular media appearances, Helen remains an influential figure in both the drinks industry and the literary world. Her story resonates with readers and viewers who value honesty, warmth, and expertise delivered with a smile.
