A massive thank you to everyone who came long to the GBUK 2023 Portfolio Tasting last week.
Always a highlight in the calendar, our Portfolio Tasting is a great day to meet friends old and new and show off the whole range of wines and spirits that we are so proud of, as well as introducing some new gems. This year we were delighted to have so many winemakers and brand principals joining us and meeting our customers. Wisdom straight from the horse’s mouth is unbeatable, and we have a whole stable full of real thoroughbreds!
The event began with a condensed version of our recent exhibition held in Jerez, Spain 'Tio Pepe - from Jerez to the world. The story of an icon'. The exhibition centred around the origins and impact of Tio Pepe and its path to holding an iconic status as the world’s best-selling fino sherry spanning three centuries. It began with the founder of Tio Pepe and his beloved uncle, the inspiration behind the name, the development of the brand, and its immersion into the cultural fabric of Spain through the arts, sport, advertising, and music.
New releases and special highlights included a new release grenache from McLaren Vale’s Wirra Wirra, the 'Lifestyle Range' from South Africa’s Neil Ellis, a first taste of the Quinta do Noval 2021 Vintage Port , a special late release grüner veltiner from Domane Wachau, as well as the newest and oldest wines from Jerez spanning 145 years – the 2023 Tio Pepe en rama and the incredible Leo XIII Vino Dulce from 1878!
Two spectacular masterclasses drew the crowds – Olivier Humbrecht’s deep dive into Pinot Gris from Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, and a spectacular double act from the worlds of Sherry and Whisky with the legendary Richard Paterson and our own Antonio Flores, exploring the essential role of the sherry cask on maturing spirits, and the development of the Nomad, the first Outland Whisky.
2023 marks the 50th Anniversary of the founding of Bodegas Beronia in Rioja. Over the years, the wines have received many accolades , and we are marking this special occasion with a very limited release of some of most awarded vintages, you can find more information here
