The week in pictures

This week in the world of drinks: Lebanese winemaker Eddy Naim is crowned Winemaker of the Year 2021 by Naked Wines UK, Roche Mazet, the number one French wine brand which exports to 58 countries, is increasing its presence in the UK, and we visit Holy Carrot for the launch of its new Holy Bar.

Lebanese winemaker Eddy Naim has been crowned Winemaker of the Year 2021 by Naked Wines UK.

Receiving almost 50 percent of the vote, Eddy Naim, will be given prize funding to make the wine he has always wanted to make, but never had the chance to. The production of the new wine will be fully funded by Naked Wines and sold exclusively to its UK customer base.

Ray O’Connor MW, Wine Director of Naked Wines UK, commented, “2021 was a tough year for many of us but it’s difficult to comprehend the situation for Eddy, our first Lebanese winemaker. Last year there were shortages of bread, medicines, fuel and basic necessities in Lebanon. Even power stations shut down, plunging the country into darkness. So it’s nothing short of a miracle that Eddy still found a way to produce his tiny volumes of high-end boutique wines for our Angels, which are as good as almost anything you’ll taste from Bordeaux or Châteauneuf-du-Pape. I’m thrilled for Eddy and I know he’s going to make a great wine with this extra funding.”

Of being voted Winemaker of the Year 2021, Eddy commented, “I’m so very honored and grateful to have been awarded this recognition…this award isn’t for one person, it was made possible through the work and dedication of my team at Chateau Qanafar, despite the endless crisis Lebanon is enduring. It’s difficult to state how much of a difference Angels’ support has made for my family and the other families who depend on my winery for subsistence. I will continue my efforts to make wines that brighten people’s day when they drink them.”

Roche Mazet is expanding its presence in the UK with the launch of a range of six easy going, elegant wines from Southern France, perfect for everyday occasions. From a fruity Merlot rosé to a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a structured Cabernet Sauvignon, there’s something to suit every occasion.

And we visited vegan restaurant Holy Carrot for the launch of its Holy Bar, located in Knightsbridge, London.

Plant-based restaurant Holy Carrot in Knightsbridge has this week launched Holy Bar. Inspired by the surrealism of Salvador Dali and the wondrous world of Peter Pan’s Neverland, Holy Bar offers a range of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne botanical cocktails along with crystal therapy, tarot readings and an array of plant-based snacks.

Have you been out and about this week? Been somewhere you think we should visit? Let us know!