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Week in pictures: 30 September – 6 October

06 October 2023 By James Evison

This week in pictures features a trip to the annual Tax Free World Association (TFWA) exhibition in Cannes, a celebration of Vouvray in London, a Bibi Graetz alcove in Mayfair and Sicilia DOC wines in Palermo.

Sicily

db Italy correspondent Filippo Bartolotta presented a range of Sicilia DOC wines at Buatta restaurant in Palermo. Editor-in-chief of db Patrick Schmitt was also present to experience the wonderful bottles on offer.

TWFA

This week db‘s Jessica Mason attended the annual Cannes event of the TFWA where she reported on the movers and shakers in the world of global travel retail.

Below are three of the many events that she attended:

Nemiroff launched a ultra premium vodka brand Lex at a rooftop party in Cannes

William Grant & Sons hosted its first tasting for Silent Pool Gin at the TFWA Exhibition & Conference, marking its recent acquisition of the brand arriving in its portfolio.

Women in Travel Retail (WiTR+) held an event at Diageo’s Majestic Beach venue, raising €30,000 in funds for the Koma Karanth Foundation to build much-needed homes for women and children.

Vouvray

A delegation from Vouvray AOC hosted a supper club in east London this week, with discussion led by Natasha Hughes MW. A selection of the appellation’s Chenin Blanc wines was paired with food by Michelin Green Star-winning restaurant Silo.

Taking the wines in pairs, and covering a range of sparkling, dry, demi-sec and sweet styles, the evening explored terroir and winemaking in the versatile appellation. With reports from the recently finished vintage and a venue-appropriate discussion of sustainable initiatives, it was a deep dive into the small but varied region.

Bibi Graetz

db staff writer Louis Thomas attended the opening of the Bibi Graetz sponsored alcove at Hedonism Wines in Mayfair.

Maverick winemaker Graetz, who cut the ribbon for the disco-themed display, complete with glitter ball and eye-catching bottles of his Colore and Testamatta wines, explained that the design was inspired by the former discotheque in Fiesole, Florence that he converted into a fermentation room. He noted that the original disco ball and mirrored walls have been kept at the winery.