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UK drinks trade to cycle through English wine country for charity

01 August 2023 By Patrick Schmitt

The UK drinks trade is to cycle 350km through England’s wine country next month to raise £230,000 for The Drinks Trust.

Dubbed The Harvest Tour, the challenge will see the cyclists embark on a three-day ride, covering more than 110 km each day, passing through some of the UK’s most beautiful vineyards, with thanks to the support from many of its leading wineries, including Balfour, Bolney, Chapel Down, Gusborne and Squerryes.

On their second day, the riders will take on of Britain’s most famous and toughest cycling climbs in south-east England, called Box Hill, but also known as ‘Zig Zag Hill’.

Conceived by The Drinks Trust and The Wine Trade Sports Club Foundation, The Harvest Tour is being run in association with VinLog Powered by Kuehne+Nagel – a logistics service that was established to cater for the specific needs of the wine and spirits industry.

The ride will take place from 29 September to 1 October to support the work of The Drinks Trust through its new Cost of Living Crisis Appeal, and aims to raise £230,000 to help members of the industry facing hardship. Up to 1,000 individuals will be benefit from this initiative.

Following the sad passing of Philip Tuck MW, Hatch Mansfield Wine Director and Wine Trade Sports Club Board Member, and a founder of the Harvest Tour, the challenge next month will be conducted in his memory, celebrating his life and his contribution to the industry that he cared so passionately about.

“It is such a fitting tribute that this Harvest Tour is taking place in Philip’ memory and in honour of his family,” commented Hatch Mansfield CEO, Patrick McGrath MW.

Continuing, he said, “Philip’s zest for life and kindness will be sorely missed and this tour will be an opportunity to remember him together; a chance to pay homage to the wonderful man that he was.”

VinLog Powered by Kuehne+Nagel, the well-known logistics service, has been supporting The Drinks Trust’s work for many years and has once again stepped forward with support by partnering the charity on this tour.

Horst Mueller, global head of VinLog Powered by Kuehne+Nagel, and Harvest Tour cyclist, explained why the business is keen to support the challenge: “At VinLog, we understand the drinks industry very well and work to ensure that our customers’ products get the attention they deserve throughout the supply chain. This naturally includes supporting the charitable efforts of The Drinks Trust and the commitment to the people who work in this industry. “

As well as the option to participate in this unique three-day event, the Tour also has limited spaces for additional riders to join for one or two days only.

To sign up to the Harvest Tour, please click here.

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