This September we were delighted to welcome so many of our customers, partners and friends to The Brewery for our Annual Tasting, where this year’s theme - A Sense of Place - invited everyone to explore the landscapes, stories and people behind the wines and spirits we love.
From the moment the doors opened, the atmosphere was buzzing. The event brought together producers from across the globe, each one sharing their passion and craft. The layout made for an easily navigable and inspiring journey through the rooms, each with its own character and focus, reflecting the incredible diversity of our portfolio.
We were especially delighted to hear such positive feedback from those who joined us.
Mo O’Toole, co-owner of Carruthers & Kent in Newcastle, told us:
“Enotria’s tasting this September was a really impressive event. The venue was really well laid out and there were some great producers on show. We’ve since bought quite a few of the wines we tasted. We took our new manager and she found it not only enjoyable but very easy to navigate.”
And from Alice at 5 O’Clock Somewhere in Kendal:
“What an incredible event! So many fantastic wines to taste and such a pleasure meeting the producers behind them. The layout was brilliant – each room had its own themed buffet station reflecting the countries we were tasting wines from, which made the experience even more immersive (and delicious!). A huge event, perfectly organised, and we’ve come away buzzing with ideas – and a long list of wines we can’t wait to introduce to our customers.”
Each space within The Brewery brought a different part of A Sense of Place to life. In The Porter Tun, our European producers filled the vast brick-vaulted room with energy, conversation and an impressive array of classics and new discoveries from across the continent.
In The Sugar Rooms, guests were treated to two floors of discovery. One room was dedicated to the Tri-Nations – Australia, New Zealand and South Africa – where producers shared their stories and innovations. The other celebrated our North and South American producers, bringing vibrant flavours and global warmth to the tasting as sunlight poured through the tall windows.
The Queen Charlotte added sparkle to the day, hosting our Champagne and sparkling wine producers whose bubbles and stories lifted the room.
Meanwhile, in the King George III, it was all about spirits. Our full agency spirits lineup was on show, alongside a range of artisanal producers and exciting low and no options, offering customers the chance to explore new gems for their venues and lists.
We were thrilled to showcase a number of new producers and exciting releases this year. From Italy, guests met Puiatti, Frisino and Petrussa, along with Cenatiempo from the island of Ischia and the legendary Chiara Boschis – the Queen of Barolo – pouring her exceptional 2021 vintages. France saw new additions such as Kisumé, our standout 0% option, and a new Crémant from LGI, alongside familiar faces including Jean-Marc Lafage, Bertrand Vigouroux, Lionel Lavail and Olivier Tricon.
In Spain, Care unveiled a new charmat fizz, Chivite introduced the Las Fincas white and Colección ranges while Pago de los Capellanes and Alma Carraovejas showcased premium releases. Portugal’s Crasto presented its new 30-year Tawny while Aveleda brought a selection of Vinho Verde favourites. Beyond Europe, highlights included Leitz’s expanding 0% range from Germany, Meinert and Fairy Dust from South Africa, Domaine Bousquet and Ribera del Cuarzo from Argentina, De Martino and Leyda from Chile and Valduga from Brazil.
We were also proud to introduce Constellation Brands to our U.S. portfolio alongside Massican, Denner and Delicato, and to welcome back Australian icons d’Arenberg, Teusner and Chaffey, with Rapaura Springs and Seresin representing New Zealand beautifully. Hearing such wonderful feedback means the world to us. Our Annual Tasting isn’t just about sampling; it’s about connection – between people, places and the bottles that bring them together.
To everyone who joined us at The Brewery, thank you. We can’t wait to raise a glass with you again soon.
