International Wine Trade Dinner 2023

The Master pictured with Liveryman Jancis Robinson MW

Last night the Company was proud to host the Fifth International Wine Trade Dinner at Vintners’ Hall, with over 130 guests who along with Ambassadors from wine-producing regions, represented wine growers, makers, buyers and journalists from across the globe – all thankfully undeterred by flight cancellations and train strikes.

Normally held every two years, but postponed because of Covid, this was the first International Wine Trade Dinner held since 2019. Despite this three-year hiatus, the Company did what it does best as the spiritual home of the international wine trade, providing our guests with a warm welcome, good food and some some excellent wines presented by Jancis Robinson MW. Guests were also treated to music from pipers of the Royal Tank Regiment, a quintet from the Band of the Honourable Artillery Company, and talented students from the Guildhall School of Music.

The purpose of this event is a celebration of the wine trade and this event also celebrated the return of the ceremony of the Loving Cup - a city tradition dating back to Anglo-Saxon times when King Edward the Martyr was assassinated in 979 while drinking at a banquet - which involves passing a goblet of wine to your neighbour as everyone takes a sip in return.

Master Vintner, Edward Berry, who was host for the evening said: “We Vintners were so proud to entertain some of the world’s most noted wine makers and personalities from around the world for a fabulous evening. It was an historic moment of celebration and true Vintners’ hospitality!”