Ben Watts [above] is known for taking photos of the sexiest people on the planet, but now he is launching the summer’s sexiest pink drink! KDH catches up with the fashion photographer who was born in London, but now lives between New York City and Montauk.  He’s shot for everyone from Nike to Apple and magazines such as Elle, New York Times, GQ, and Rolling Stones.  This summer, Watts has partners with Wine Awesomeness to launch a Limited Edition Blush Wine: WattsUp Rosé.  The wine mirrors the personality of this vibrant, fun-loving guy.  He explains, “Drinking rosé is like enjoying a piece of summer, and summers are notoriously fun…”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can you keep a secret? Ben is also throwing one of the biggest bashes of the summer called Shark Attack Sounds at the Montauk Yacht Club this July 5!  #SHHHHH! His signature finger-in-front-of-lip move [above] is how he ends all his photo shoots, and it appears on the WattsUp Rosé label. Learn more about Ben in his KDHamptons Diary below:

 

 

KDHamptons: How long have you been coming to the Hamptons? Why do you love it so much?

Ben Watts: I’ve been coming since 1995 when I arrived in New York. I’ve had a place in Montauk since 1998. It’s one of the best places on earth if you ask me. Oh, and you can drive there in two hours from the best city on earth too.  shhhhhh!

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: Describe your perfect Hamptons day in detail?

Ben: I don’t describe details I photograph them… My spelling is horrid. But I imagine arriving in Paradise after a tough week in the city, waking up to sunshine and salt water, paddle boarding in the sound, then catching a wave in the ocean, eating fish on a dock at duryas and sipping on some WattsUp Rosé!

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: Why did you decide to launch a rose? What do you love about yours?

Ben: I love the color pink ….. You gotta try the taste.  It’s so refreshing.

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: Do you have any upcoming exciting photography shoots, or exhibitions planned for this summer?

Ben: We have our massive July 4th weekend party – Shark Attack Sounds – on July 5th.  Later on this summer, I’ll be shooting in St. Barths for Victoria Secret.

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: What is your favorite Hamptons restaurant, got a favorite dish you get every time? Where is your rose served on the East End?

Ben: Crows Nest is amazing, and Moby Dicks on Eastlake. Surf Lodge [above] is another of my favorites, and one of the places that serves WattsUp Rose along with Navy Beach, Montauk Yacht Club and Sole East.

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: Do you like to entertain at your Hamptons home? What’s your “go-to” dinner plan?

Ben: I entertain all the time.  Generally, the idea is to invite a friend who can cook. No cooking skills, no weekend invite, simple.  Ha!  I clean up…. Great salads, grilled chicken, fish, steak and a pavlova Australian style if my mate Jonny Bookalil is out- the guy’s got skills shhhhhh

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: What is your little secret about the Hamptons?

Ben: The national park at the end of Navy Beach.  Even on a windy day if you walk around the head land, you will have the world to yourself and not a soul in sight.  It’s paradise.

 

 

 

For more info on Ben, go to benwatts.com

**A limited amount of WattsUp Rosé will be sold online for $18 each and in pack of 3, 6, and 12 bottles at wineawesomeness.com. The wine will also be distributed at select Montauk and Miami hotels and retails.

**Ben’s summer party, Shark Attack Sounds, is at the Montauk Yacht Club on July 5.  For more info and tickets check out sharkattacksounds.com

Ben shares some great shots from his recent WattsUp Rosé launch party: