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The week in pictures

02 September 2022 By Christian Smith

This week in the world of drinks: Canned wine brand NICE embarks on a major giveaway tour in London, Vins de Provence anticipates a promising 2022 vintage, and 10 new Master Sommeliers are welcomed to the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas.

Canned wine brand NICE set out across London yesterday to give away £10,000 worth of wine. Stopping at well known locations including St Paul’s Cathedral, Leicester Square, Oxford Circus and Liverpool Street, a “dance mob” spread the word and the free booze.

Vins de Provence has revealed that it is anticipating a promising vintage with healthy fruit and good volumes for 2022, as harvest gets underway between 10-15 days earlier than in 2021 – though challenges remain as a result of the hot weather.

“Since the start of harvesting, night times are cooler and the fruit has become more balanced, ushering in a stellar vintage. We were extremely concerned but volumes should equal those of a normal year with some variations depending on the properties – those that have suffered most are the ones that had the least amount of rain. This vintage offers the perfect illustration that weather events are having an increasing impact. Ultimately, we know that we are going to have to adapt and we are already working on it with experiments focusing both on the varietal range and vineyard management techniques”, said Éric Pastorino, chairman of the CIVP.

And the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas, has welcomed 10 new members to its ranks, from a total of 45 hopefuls.

“Today we celebrate the success of the ten new Master Sommeliers and we also applaud the incredible efforts of all the candidates who sat for this rigorous examination. We are inspired by their dedication to the intense studying and pursuit of this certification. We are excited for the ten new Master Sommeliers to join us as we continue to create an impactful and modern organization,” said Emily Wine, MS, Chair of the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas.