Week in pictures: 22-28 June 2024

This week in pictures features Patrick Schmitt MW at legendary wine PR Fiona Campbell’s final event before retiring, Louis Thomas at a rooftop cinema with Disaronno, and James Evison at Istituto Grandi Marchi’s annual tasting.

Fiona Campbell

Frank Dotzler (left) headed to London from Napa this week to present his wines to the UK press for the first time since selling his brand – Outpost – to AXA Millesimes in Juy 2018, a business headed by Christian Seely (right). Also present at the event, which was held at Trivet, was Fiona Campbell (middle), winner of this year’s Drinks Business Lifetime Achievement Award for her work in wine PR that has spanned six decades. Yesterday’s tasting marked her final official press event. Seely, who appointed Campbell to help him promote AXA’s Quinta do Noval 28 years ago, told db, “I chose her, without hesitation, out of a selection of PR agencies who came to pitch for the business and I never regretted it.”

Istituto Grandi Marchi

This week saw the annual trade tasting of the Istituto Grandi Marchi in London at Plaisterers’ Hall. The event included a masterclass by Patrick Schmitt MW which focused on the 2004 vintage, the year that the Istituto Grandi Marchi was founded. Among the wines that were showcased at the masterclass were Chiarlo’s Barolo Cerequio, Masi’s Riserva Costasera Amarone, and, from Tenuta San Guido, Sassicaia in magnum.

Disaronno

Louis Thomas attended a rooftop screening of The Talented Mr. Ripley in Peckham as part of Disaronno’s partnership with Rooftop Film Club for the al fresco cinema’s upcoming Italian Takeover weekend.

L’Epoque

Showcased at private members club Apollo’s Muse this week, the exclusive L’EPOQUE Cognac launch was host to some of the most influential industry insiders, who were the first to try the brand’s inaugural L’ÉPOQUE XO Baroque. Guests were guided through their first taste while enjoying an evening in one of the world’s most exclusive members club, surrounded by priceless marble sculptures, antiques and artwork that complement the bottle’s baroque design.

Halkin Gin

COMO The Halkin hotel has launched London Dry Gin. Nestled on a quiet street in Belgravia, the hotel is just a stone’s throw from where the first official London Dry gins received royal approval.

The collaboration with Devon Distillery has been pivotal in bringing this vision to life, combining their distilling expertise with COMO The Halkin’s dedication to quality and elegance.

Founder of Devon Distillery, Cosmo Caddy said: “From the early development days, we found our values were aligned around quality, sustainability and meticulous craftsmanship. The journey to achieve the perfect balance for The Halkin Gin has been immensely enjoyable, and partnering with such a passionate and dedicated team has been rewarding every step of the way.”

A launch event was held at the hotel, and will be followed by exclusive tasting events. Guests will have the opportunity to savour the gin in various classic and innovative cocktails, paired with canapés designed to highlight the gin’s unique flavours. Guests can also participate in hands-on distilling sessions, offering a fun, interactive experience.