Creative and literary translator & wine writer
How can I help?
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I offer a bespoke French to English translation service tailored to suit the needs of my clients. Whether you are looking for accuracy, creativity or a speedy turnaround, I will ensure that my translation fulfils your brief every time. The icing on the cake? Eight years of experience working with global wine brands and two diplomas in wine and gastronomy mean I have the technical knowledge and consumer awareness required to translate your words with the care and precision they deserve.
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You have put a lot of hard work into building your brand and creating campaigns that reflect who you are and the products you craft. But word-for-word translations can make even the most innovative copy turn stale. That’s where creative translation – or transcreation – can help. From brand identity and editorial content, to social media translation and advertising campaigns, I capture the meaning behind your words and translate it for your Anglophone audience in a voice that speaks your language, and theirs too.
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Almost eight years of experience writing copy for premium and super-premium wineries has made me a skilled storyteller, copywriter and tasting-note crafter. I love writing the kind of creative content that will inspire Anglophone audiences to travel across borders through the scent, flavour or texture of your product. I write website copy, editorial, mail-outs, social media posts, tasting notes, or entire campaigns.
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Content that inspires in one culture can curdle in another. As a lecturer in wine marketing and brand development at Le Cordon Bleu London and a graduate of the WSET Wine Business and Commercial Knowledge course, I help my clients understand the minds - and palates - of British consumers.
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I work on a range of literary translation projects including fiction, food and wine writing, and nature writing.
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I enjoy talking about wine as much as I love writing about it, so I am always happy to work as a sommelier for hire at events and tastings. I also offer bespoke wine-tasting events for companies and private individuals. Get in touch to find out more.
About me
A translator (Fr>En), transcreator and marketeer with a passion for storytelling, education, and brand building. With almost a decade of experience as a brand manager for super-premium wineries and two diplomas in wine and gastronomy, I help food and beverage companies craft informative, delectable content that captures the imagination of the UK consumer.
Wine and gastronomy are more than just flavour and texture, they weave connections, invite us to share our perspectives, and offer us the opportunity to learn something new about a certain grape variety, ingredient, region, or producer. These interactions are only possible through language, so I love to spend my days translating my clients’ words and helping the conversation continue across borders. Although I specialise in food and drink, I welcome projects from other sectors.
I believe that education plays an important role in making culture more accessible, so I also offer in-person or online wine-tasting courses, teach wine marketing and brand strategy at Le Cordon Bleu London, research for Tim Atkin MW, work on literary translation projects, and help Asymptote Magazine highlight new literary voices from around the world.
Qualifications:
MA Translation, University of Bristol (2022-2024)
WSET Business & Commercial Knowledge Course Graduate (2022)
Diploma in Wine & Spirits, WSET (2018-2020)
Diploma in Wine, Gastronomy & Management, Le Cordon Bleu London (2015)
BA English Literature & French, University College London (2010 - 2014)
ITI Member
Testimonials
Isabelle Hueber, Digital Marketing Manager, Champagne Bollinger
“Kate is an excellent translator. She works efficiently and accurately on all projects. She made a point of fully understanding our Maison, its vocabulary and our style, in order to be able to provide us with the most precise translations possible. She annotates her choices so that we can discuss them together if necessary and find the most relevant option in that particular context. I highly recommend working with her for your future projects. ”
Emilie Burg, Assistant Product Development Manager, Champagne Bollinger
“Kate offers a fast, reliable, and efficient translation service specialising in the wine industry. You can trust her 100%. We’re always delighted to work with her!”
Foulques Aulagnon, Export Marketing Manager, Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins d'Alsace
“Kate Lofthouse has been working on Alsace Wines’ Social Media for 7 years: from the start, she quickly understood which elements to highlight to promote our image in line with our various targets, working proactively and efficiently. Kate also works on technical translations from French to English, she is precise while also understanding the nuances required for our content. Finally, Kate is always available and attentive to our requirements.”
Brands I have worked with
During my time as a translator, brand manager, or both
Champagne Bollinger
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Champagne Ayala
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Hambledon Vineyard
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Domaines Ott*
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Domaines Schlumberger
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Louis Roederer
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Diamond Creek
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Domaine Faiveley
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Merry Edwards
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Roederer Estate
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CIVA
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Marqués de Murrieta
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Ramos Pinto
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Delas Frères
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Champagne Bollinger • Champagne Ayala • Hambledon Vineyard • Domaines Ott* • Domaines Schlumberger • Louis Roederer • Diamond Creek • Domaine Faiveley • Merry Edwards • Roederer Estate • CIVA • Marqués de Murrieta • Ramos Pinto • Delas Frères •
Values
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Reliability & Confidentiality
I know that time is often of the essence when it comes to translation, so I always offer a responsive, confidential and flexible service that delivers your words when you need them.
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Quality
As a professional linguist, I am committed to delivering high-quality translation, transcreation and copywriting services written in perfect English, every time.
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Savoir-Faire
I believe that specialist knowledge is crucial when it comes to delivering premium translations, which is why I have made sure I am highly qualified in wine, words and brand marketing.
