The week in pictures

While we’re looking forward to our Christmas break, the holiday is tinged with sadness as we bid a fond farewell to the wonderful Sheila Crisp as she begins her well-earned retirement. Sheila has been with the company since its inception and will be remembered for her unfailing kindness, wicked laugh and supreme talent. While we may never be able to work the franking machine again, we will all miss you dearly Sheila.

Drinks charity The Benevolent are also saying goodbye to another industry legend.

The Benevolent statement via Instagram: “Today is David Cox’s last day as Chief Executive of The Benevolent. He’s now off to a well-deserved retirement! It has been an honour working with you: throughout the years you have inspired us, worked hard for the best of the charity, pushed yourself and us all to achieve more, and surely you’ve taught us how to dance! 😊 You will be greatly missed! Your team.”

Wine writer Amanda Barnes has released the latest edition of her Around the World in 80 Harvests documentary. In this episode she finds out how the ancient city of Carthage was a lynchpin in the development of today’s wine world, while visiting Tunisia’s wine regions. Home to the world’s first viticulturist, Tunisia’s wine history dates back to before 400BC although it hasn’t always been easy making wine in a predominantly-Muslim country. This short documentary explores Tunisian wine production and culture through interviewing winemakers and wine drinkers of modern-day Tunisia.

Holly Speed Stakes: 1st. William Funnell (Great Britain) riding Billy Angelo.

The 2017 London International Horse Show, Olympia took place from 12-18 December in London and brought together some of the world’s best dressage and show jumping riders. Champagne Taittinger was proud to be the official Champagne for the 25th year of this iconic annual event. For a second year riders had to conquer a specially commissioned Taittinger double spread jump. In first place was Great Britain’s William Funnell riding Billy Angelo.

For those that weren’t watching last night, Absolutely Champers was aired last night on BBC2, featuring Ab Fab stars Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders taking a tour of the Champagne region, and of course visiting Bolly!

Great news @InvivoWines If only I could think of a way to celebrate … pic.twitter.com/hxjZo7XI1r

— graham norton (@grahnort) December 21, 2017

Congratulations to Graham Norton and Invivo Wines on the gold medal in this year’s Sauvignon Blanc Masters.

 

Christmas came early at the Small Beer Brew Co…the very first brew on our brand new kit. Bespoke designed to specialise exclusively in the production of Small Beer (0.5-2.8% ABV) and we couldn’t be more excited!

A post shared by Small Beer Brew Co. (@originalsmallbeer) on Dec 21, 2017 at 9:40am PST

South Bermondsey’s Small Beer Brew Co. made their first brew on specially developed kit, produced by Gravity Systems, this week. the drinks business looks forward to a return visit in the New Year!