After almost exactly two years, this week I finally returned to South Africa to visit both wine producers and suppliers in the Cape Winelands and upcountry in Johannesburg and Pretoria. No matter what international commentators and wine critics say, it is simply not possible to truly keep your finger on the pulse of an entire wine industry 8000 kilometers away. I would say this is true for all wine industries, but it is particularly relevant to that of South Africa which grapples daily with a unique and complex set of political, social and economic circumstances. Indeed, every time I talk to my good friend and leading South African wine critic for Vinous.com, Neal Martin, he echoes my sentiments and describes how much easier it is to criticize South African wines. when you can talk, taste and listen to the producers. in person and above all, visit the vineyards.

Another great benefit of traveling to South Africa and all the way to Pretoria is that it allows me to venture into my wine cellar which I have accumulated over 27+ years of collecting, starting in 1995, while I was a bit more financially working as a commodity trader. Although I’ve been away for two years, my wine shopping certainly hasn’t stopped. Going into my cellar to inspect new unseen bottles is a treat for me, because very often many are complete surprises because ‘out of sight is out of mind’ and I really forget some of the fantastic wines that I bought from a distance in London and had it delivered to my cellar in Pretoria.

One of the wine buying trends that seems to persist is that most of the wines I tend to buy in South Africa are foreign, and mostly French, Italian and German. That’s not to say I don’t buy the best South African wines…which I sure do, but even then it’s usually a fairly narrow, high-end selection of the best aging wines , mostly red, from the most sought-after producers. who only sell on allocation. It may seem counter-intuitive, but some of Europe’s best wines, particularly Burgundy, are apparently more readily available in South Africa than in the UK or Europe. Never cheap and always well distributed, it’s always a delight to buy and drink wines that I can no longer buy on the way out in London. The appetite at release, especially for the top of Burgundy, is voracious and even though Handford Wines, the trader I buy for, receives and assigns X, Y or Z wine… more often than not the Private customer demand dictates that there is no opportunity for staff like me to buy.

One of my first stops on my return to Pretoria is to hit the local wine merchants to browse the shelves for new releases and perhaps the odd cherry that has slipped through the net. You’ll normally find the usual suspects like Meerlust Rubicon, Kanonkop Paul Sauer and Vilafonté Series C or M, but you just won’t see a whole host of producers I take for granted in London. As good as the wine shop is, you won’t find Savage, Rall, David & Nadia, Van Loggerenberg, Mullineux, Naudé or even fairly hearty new releases like Taaibosch. To this day, I still have trouble understanding this dynamic.

Of course, in London, if you walk into an Oddbins or similar wine chain, you’re also unlikely to come across any of South Africa’s top wines, although you may see some great second labels like Kanonkop Kadette or Vilafonté Seriously Old Dirt. But usually, you’ll have to go to an independent merchant (like Handford Wines or Philglass & Swiggot, etc.) to see the more specialty producers, boutiques, or exciting ones on the shelves. Thankfully independent merchants are ‘a thing’ again in the UK and certainly very popular places to buy wine and spirits after the two years of pandemic closures/shutdowns have rekindled interest among average consumers in small shops independents in the main street.

I may be saying the obvious, but if I could get a pound for every South African who complains about me because all the best South African wines are exported, I’d be a rich man! With many small producers exporting up to 80% of their production, there will of course be consumers on the streets crying blue murder. But surely, logic dictates that if a high-end local producer could sell 70% or 80% of his production at a higher margin in the local market with relative ease, he would probably pursue this path. For the record, it seems to me that on the price side, the local market is indeed much more fickle and sensitive to prices and that there is certainly a better margin to be made for export. Of course, we still have to take into account that many of SA’s best boutique producers want their wines to be exposed to the world’s fine wine drinkers and drunk in the world’s best restaurants.

As I write this column, I sip a delicious glass of Pierre Yves Colin Morey Saint Aubin Le Blanc 2015 Chardonnay from Burgundy, a wine I buy every year from Johannesburg’s top fine wine merchants, Great Domaines. This too is another example of wine that I cannot buy when it comes out in London due to the incredible demand.

So the irony is thick… I need to buy my favorite Burgundies in Johannesburg and my favorite South African fine wines in London while feeling a bit of grief for all the South African fine wine lovers who covet the shelves of London’s premium fine. wine retailers when they visit Handfords, Harrods, Harvey Nicholls, Hedonism or Selfridges in London. We are indeed spoiled in London when it comes to the best deals in South Africa and nothing beats a trip home to help me remember that fact.

• Greg Sherwood was born in Pretoria, South Africa, and as the son of a career diplomat, he spent his first 21 years traveling the world with his parents. With a degree in business administration and marketing from Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA, Sherwood began his professional career as a commodity trader. In 2000, he decided to take a long-term interest in wine by taking up a position at Handford Wines in South Kensington, London and is now Senior Wine Buyer. He became Master of Wine in 2007.

Behind each sommelier presenting a table bottle is a three-tier wine distribution system that guides luxury wine from the vineyard to the table that has deeply felt the rapid change of the past two years. The backbone of the restaurant and hospitality world, every leg of this chain has faced challenges ranging from COVID-19 closures to pricing; supply chain challenges; and a consideration of the role of diversity and inclusion in a space that has historically had high barriers to entry.

Enter Demeine Estates, an innovative fine wine company that sees these changes not as obstacles, but as a roadmap for building a better wine industry; the one they intend to lead.

“Fine wines continue to thrive due to a high quality blend and strong demand,” said Scott Diaz, senior vice president of global brand strategy and marketing. “While there are supply shortages in key premium categories like Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Champagne, Burgundy and Sauvignon Blanc, Demeine Estates is well positioned to meet consumer demand with a expansion of new wine partnerships.”

Founded in October 2020 as a marketing and sales agency for some of Napa’s most historic and exclusive wines, Demeine Estates has already added wines like Champagne Legras & Haas and Domaine de Montille to its import portfolio and continues to grow rapidly. With just over a year in business, they are recognized as leaders in sustainability, quality, and inclusivity (and they love and are extremely passionate about wine!). So how do you get a foothold in a tumultuous market? Let’s look at their journey.

It all starts with the wine. The roots were planted in 2018 when Nashville-based agricultural investor Gaylon Lawrence Jr purchased the Napa Heitz Cellar legacy and appointed master sommelier Carlton McCoy Jr to run it. Since then, Lawrence has incorporated three other historic properties into what is now called Lawrence Wine Estates (LWE): Stony Hill, Burgess and Haynes Vineyard. With 185 years of operation combined, these estates are benchmarks of Napa history and quality, but needed a renewed presence in a market that is showing renewed interest in classic-style domestic wine.

Under McCoy’s leadership, LWE also created two new independent brands: Ink Grade, a range of mountain wines from steeply sloping vineyards on the other side of Howell Mountain, and Brendel, a creative outlet for estate winemakers. aimed at bringing a new generation of consumers into the fold of high-quality, sustainably produced Napa wines.

Demeine Estates is responsible for spreading the word (and wine) of “New Napa” to the most important distributors in the country and to supplement the portfolio with import properties of equal prestige. The New Napa focuses on sustainability and the next generation of winemakers, hospitality experts and consumers, with a specific focus on quality and education. McCoy is the managing partner, and to lead the charge he has picked industrial might Philana Bouvier.

When Bouvier accepted the role of president, she became the first non-family female manager of a wine importer. When McCoy accepted the position of CEO of Heitz, he became Napa Valley’s first black cellar CEO. For McCoy and Bouvier, the most important thing about being the “first” is to ensure that it is followed by “many”.

Bouvier aimed to build a team based on talent, experience, aptitude and ambition. The resulting group is one of the most diverse (and female-led) in a pocket of the industry with many barriers to upward mobility. While other companies strive to retroactively increase diversity, Demeine Estates builds on it.

“Diversity is our DNA here at Demeine Estates. People come first in our organization, not company policy, and we’ve seen the results,” says Bouvier.

“Our sales and marketing teams are the best there are, not only because of their passion for winning, but also their ultimate respect for diverse perspectives. We believe in our employees and our partners, and we aim to ensure that our wine industry always accepts differences and celebrates culture from all walks of life.

The resulting team takes a fresh approach to a traditional space. Senior Vice President of Sales, Leila Pearson, leads a team of 10 across the country to land wines on the highest visibility lists through unparalleled distribution relationships. The measured size of the Demeine Estates portfolio allows full attention to be given to each brand, a rarity in a wine world that is gradually consolidating into fewer distributors and larger supplier portfolios.

Senior Vice President of Global Brand Strategy and Marketing Scott Diaz leads a three-person team responsible for accessing and creating new luxury wine consumers for “New Napa.” Alexa D’Acquisto, Senior Brand Manager, is an expert in brand creation and repositioning, and Shannon Pestoni, Brand Manager, co-founded, developed and sold Napa’s Jelly Jar Wines before joining the team. Audrey, Digital Marketing Specialist

Marek leverages social media and digital tools to create an unrivaled online footprint in a segment that often overlooks the power of virtual space.

The team is also keenly aware of its role in the wider wine industry, and that leadership cannot exist in a vacuum. In January 2022, they announced their Dream it, live it initiative, which serves to provide professional development opportunities specifically for women and people of color in the wine and hospitality industries that focus on entrepreneurship.

The goal is to create long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with program partners and foster a more inclusive wine and hospitality industry for all by providing access to growing businesses.

“Our progressive leadership builds trust and invites people, employees and partners, into the winery space who may not have felt like they belonged before,” says D’Acquisto. “In a relationship-based industry like ours, the results are valuable, meaningful connections that drive business while celebrating diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives.”

Their first partnership with Tish Wiggins of “Tish Around Town” resulted in the Celebration of Women in Wine trip, which takes place in Napa Valley from March 29 to April 2. With sponsorship from Demeine Estates, Tish, a wine educator, event curator, speaker and wine writer with a strong online and social media presence, will bring a group of 20 attendees to taste and learn with Heitz Cellar Director of Winemaking Brittany Sherwood, Burgess Winemaker Meghan Zobeck, Stony Hill Winemaker Jaimee Motley and Hospitality Manager Brendel Candace Keeton.

The Women in Wine Tour celebration will also highlight the new Heitz Cellars Tasting Lounge, a modern design and French laundry-inspired experience. Employing many hospitality professionals with Michelin star backgrounds, the space elevates the wine tasting and pairing experience beyond the vineyard while taking a root-to-glass approach. The tour’s emphasis on hospitality and luxury emphasizes the intertwined nature of good food, good wine and high quality.

“Attendees will enjoy a 3-course meal featuring the cuisine of award-winning chef Cindy Pawlcyn at the iconic Mustards Grill,” said Wiggins, who is a hospitality veteran and catering enthusiast.

Mustards Grill has been a Napa Valley staple for over 37 years, serving chef/owner Cindy Pawlcyn’s blend of regional American dishes fused with global influences. Favorites include the famous Mongolian pork chop with sweet and sour red cabbage; and house-herb marinated rabbit with Brussels sprout leaves, thyme-roasted parsnips and white-wine currants.

“We have strategically secured a boutique hotel in downtown Napa so attendees have access to some of the best dining and dining experiences Napa has to offer,” Wiggins continues. “Some of my favorites are Oentori and Charlie Palmer Steak, and I always like to end my evening at Cadet Wine + Beer Bar for drinks and late night bites.”

“I have a passion for creating fun and interactive ‘Sip, Socialize & Learn’ experiences. As a wine educator, my tours are different because each experience embodies my desire to create a fun experience that is also informative. and educational.”

So with all this momentum, what’s next for Demeine Estates? Grow their import portfolio through strong relationships with wineries that share their values ​​of sustainability, history and quality. Diaz, who served as senior vice president of marketing at a prestigious importer with a large portfolio for twelve years before joining Demeine Estates, aims to exploit the many historic vineyards, particularly in France and Italy, which are under- represented in the US market. . Once he gets the appointment, he says, it’s all up to Bouvier.

“You get Philana at the door, she makes the deal happen,” Diaz says.

From the start, Demeine Estates was built by agents of change; and therefore, they are uniquely able to adapt and influence an industry that continues to evolve. So if you’re wondering where good wine will be in 5 years, look no further than Demeine Estates.

A stunning Cotswolds location on the outskirts of Worcestershire is set to house this magnificent Great Gatsby-inspired mansion and the largest stately home to be built in the UK for a century. West of Bourton-on-the-Water and just an hour from Birmingham, the 60-acre plot is up for sale for £20million – and that’s before the big house was even built.

The land which includes approved planning permission for St John’s House is now for sale. But it will cost the new owner £100million to build the house designed by Prince Charles’ favorite architect, Professor Robert Adam.

This decadent lavish property even has a “secret garden” and ballroom based on that of Rosecliff Mansion, in Newport’s millionaire row in US Rhode Island, as mentioned in Gloucestershire Live. This is instantly recognizable for being used in films such as Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Great Gatsby, True Lies and rom com 27 Dresses starring Katherine Heigl and James Marsden.

READ MORE: George Clarke’s luxury Cotswolds home for sale after Amazing Spaces star split from wife

High-end estate agents Sotheby’s International Realty are marketing the property. A spokesperson on its website said: “This is a home as exceptional and rare as the priceless collections you want to enjoy.

“The epitome of luxury living and entertainment, St John’s House overlooks some of the UK’s finest countryside and is ready to be built to your exacting standards and exact lifestyle needs. St Johns House will occupy an elevated position with breathtaking views over the Cotswolds region of outstanding natural beauty and is a work of art in its own right.

“Designed and crafted for the world’s most discerning shopper to allow their family to welcome and enjoy their most cherished possessions, from exquisite collections of art, fine wines and classic automobiles, to horses thoroughbreds and antiques.

The basement ballroom and entertainment area has a floor that offers a large reception room, private dining room, professional “event” kitchen, bar, private cinema and extensive wine cellar . There’s even a 6,000 square foot top floor with a single owner’s suite.

On the first floor there are nine individual bedrooms and a large study. There is an orangery, a secret garden and an outdoor swimming pool. What the architect calls the ‘piano nobile’ on the ground floor is designed for huge Gatsby-style parties, with 4.5m high ceilings.

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The spokesperson added: “The eleven double-height arches open from the ballroom into the secluded and secure grotto, designed for large-scale outdoor entertaining. It offers guests the most spectacular uninterrupted scenery and sunsets over the Cotswolds region of natural beauty to the Chiltern Hills, approximately 30 miles away.

READ MORE: Pretty Worcestershire village that lured Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant away from Black Country

WATCH: It’s a mystery – Toyah’s House Pershore spirit caught on camera by ‘strangling’ ghost hunter

Read the latest real estate news from across the region here.

TEWKSBURY – The Tewksbury Select Board met on February 15, 2022 at Town Hall. All members were present.

The board voted to approve a pole petition for National Grid on Pleasant Street in a 3-2 vote, with members Anne Marie Stronach and James Mackey voting against the application. The hub will be located on Whipple Island and Pleasant.

The board considered a liquor license application for 2030 Ocean St., LCC at 345 Main St.

Dan Newcomb, Team Leader for Wine and Market, explained that his company is looking to open a liquor store for fine wines, craft beer and craft spirits as a high-end sustainable business that supports the community. with responsibility for safe service.

Newcomb noted that the store, located in Wamesit Place stores near Walmart, is far from schools and churches. Company representatives met with city officials, residents and neighboring businesses to discuss potential issues and opportunities. Newcomb mentioned that the company is working on opening three more locations in Lexington, Quincy and Cambridge.

Member Todd Johnson inquired about the control of alcohol sales and the safety of alcoholic beverages. Newcomb said that in his decades-long career in the liquor and restaurant industries, he had never been the victim of a liquor service violation. He explained that anyone entering the store will need to present a valid ID before entering and that no one under the age of 21 will be allowed to enter.

“It’s an adult beverage store, there’s nothing in there that kids would want,” he said.

The board voted unanimously to approve the license.

The board voted to approve a class license transfer from Ira Toyota to Auto Fair Toyota at 468 Main St.

The council voted to approve the signature pages for the town’s annual and special meeting terms of reference and the annual municipal elections.

The board reviewed a presentation on the city’s corporate funds and capital improvements for FY23 with City Manager Richard Montuori.

Council discussed general updates on the Zoning Bylaws Committee; members Johnson and James Mackey serve as board representatives on the committee.

Johnson said the committee felt they had a “very solid bylaw review” and planned to present it to the community at the annual town hall meeting in May. On the issue of retail marijuana, Johnson shared that the committee unanimously felt that it should move forward with adding language on retail marijuana to the regulations, but after public comments, residents had questions about regulatory oversight and licensing approvals.

Johnson said the committee felt there was a “tremendous risk of confusion” and said members would let it be known that the committee supported the inclusion of marijuana language, but believed the City Manager and the Select Board should address the licensing issue.

“We’re not early adopters anymore,” Mackey added. “The data is out there.”

He added that marijuana is a “billion dollar industry” in the state and the city should be looking to get in on the action. Johnson asked that the board and city manager have a plan ready to address the permit issue by August before the fall town meeting.

In committee reports, Mackey shared that the new city’s website is up at the same web address and noted that documents are still being transferred from the old website; he said if residents cannot find specific documents, they should call City Hall for assistance.

Member Jayne Wellman said the Northern Middlesex Council of Governments will provide technical assistance to ensure the town’s compliance with the state’s new MBTA community multifamily housing requirement, which the council discussed in January.

She also marked the 50th anniversary of the 1972 propane gas explosion, which was recently commemorated with members of the Tewksbury Fire Department and members of fire departments from nearby communities.

Council closed the regular meeting and convened an executive session for City Manager contract negotiations.

The next meeting is scheduled for March 8, 2022. Citizens can find the meeting agenda on the city’s website. The reunion can be viewed on Comcast Channel 99 and Verizon Channel 33.

Dubai-based Vintage International has struck a deal with highly respected cognac house Thomas Hine & Co. to represent the brand in local and duty-free markets in the Middle East.

This partnership marks Vintage International’s debut in the Cognac sector. The company, founded in 2002, represents several brands in the Middle East, including those of Silent Pool Gin, Loch Lomond Group, Konik Tail Vodka and Sierra tequila (in travel retail in the Middle East).

Vintage International Managing Director Salim Farhat told the Moodie Davitt Report: “We are very pleased to announce our partnership with Hine Cognac. Our partnership comes at a time when the world is beginning to recover from the pandemic and we believe this is the perfect time to explore ways to work closely together.

“Both companies represent a boutique and niche collaborative experience. The elegant Hine collection fits perfectly into our portfolio of fine wines and spirits. We welcome the opportunity to work closely with this revered Cognac house.

Hine’s Deputy Commercial Director, Per Even Allaire, said: “The success of the international development of Hine cognacs is largely due to the quality of the relationships that our young 259-year-old company has forged around the world over time. .

“The values ​​shared between Vintage International and Hine, as well as their recognized expertise and professionalism in the Middle East, make us confident in the success that awaits us. We firmly believe that our collaboration will quickly increase our presence and allow more people to enjoy Hine in the region.

About Hine Cognac

Hine is widely regarded as one of the great houses of Cognac, as well as among the oldest. Founded in 1763, the company owns 110 hectares of sustainably cultivated vines in the premier cru of the Cognac region, Grande Champagne.

Hine has been the official Cognac supplier to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II since 1962.

When stock markets are volatile, the case for alternative investments – from wine to vintage vinyl – grows stronger.

Toby Walne speaks to experts to assess the relative merits of such purchases.

Wines and champagnes up 150% per year

Investing in fine wine has never been so popular. Justin Gibbs, co-founder of fine wine trading platform Liv-ex, said: “There is more interest in investing in fine wines today than there was a decade ago due to international demand, particularly in Southeast Asia, as well as the internet facilitating commerce, there are no signs of this demand slowing down.

The Liv-ex Fine Wine 100 Index, which tracks the price of the 100 most sought-after wines, rose 25% last year. Gibbs says it’s the so-called premier crus from the Bordeaux region that have proven popular. But he says there are other investment opportunities — like premium champagne and some of Italy’s and California’s finest wines — that are also worth looking into now.

For example, a 2005 bottle of Taittinger Comtes de Comtes Rose Champagne was changing hands at £110 around this time last year. It is now worth £275. That’s a 150% increase, but you might have to go further, given that a 2013 Louis Roederer Cristal Rose sells for £373.

A 2018 Arnoux-Lachaux Grand Cru from Burgundy is up 54 per cent at £1,460, while a 2015 Italian Tignanello is worth £120, having risen in price by 47 per cent over the past year.

Wine bought as an investment should not be stored in the back of the drinks cabinet, but in a special ‘bonded’ warehouse, where you could pay £20 per crate per year for storage. As long as it is on bail, there is no VAT or obligation to pay.

You can find out how investment-grade wines have performed in recent years on websites such as liv-ex.com and bordeauxindex.com.

When buying, use a professional wine merchant, such as Berry Bros & Rudd, Farr Vintners, Justerini & Brooks or Alex Marton Fine Wines. They also help with storage and sales. Publications such as The Wine Advocate offer a lot of useful information on the state of the fine wine market.

The art that could be on your street

The days were when art was something to hang in homes – not graffiti daubed on the side of a wall by a street artist. But ‘street art’ is very much in vogue.

In October last year, a shredded photo titled ‘Love is in the bin’ by street artist Banksy sold for a record £18.6million, more than threefold its indicative price. It had been sold for £1million in 2018, only to have a hidden paper shredder rip it up.

The Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index, which tracks the price of ten alternative asset classes, saw an overall drop in the price of collectible art of 2% between 2021 and 2022. But Andrew Shirley, compiler of the index, says prices are bouncing back, with graffiti-style street art a potential future winner. He says: “Street art is now hugely collectible and it’s not just about Banksy. Other artists rising to prominence include a Banksy protege, who calls himself Mr Brainwash, but whose real name is Thierry Guetta.

A piece by Mr Brainwash Charlie Chaplin sold for $100,000 (£75,000) at auction 12 years ago. But experts say if it were sold today it could fetch more than double. Other popular street performers include Brazilian twins Os Gemeos and Argentinian artist BNS.

Shirley admits the jury is still out on the investment potential of digital art, often sold in chunks called non-fungible tokens or NFTs – effectively receipts of ownership.

A good place to get into affordable street art is Forum Auctions in London. To research artists you might consider investing in before they hit the big time, try the urbanartassociation.com website.

Classic cars ready to race ahead

Classic cars were once vehicles of a bygone era, but nowadays relatively modern engines are included in this genre – so maybe now is a good time to invest.

The Historic Automobile Group International’s (HAGI) top index of 50 of the most sought-after classics, such as Ferraris and Lamborghinis, rose 6% last year. But the price of some less prestigious brands has risen faster.

For example, a late 1980s Ford Sierra RS Cosworth was originally a race boy’s dream at £19,950 new. Today, the hundred or so survivors in excellent condition change hands up to £100,000. Indeed, only 1,600 were sold in the UK and far too many were written off after an ill-timed handbrake turn or a chase that ended in a ditch. This scarcity value means that the price could also increase by 6% per year.

The Ford Capri is another modern classic. A 1986 model with a 2.8-litre fuel-injected engine that cost £14,000 new now costs £25,000 in mint condition, making it an affordable investment with room to grow.

Keith Adams, editor of the Parkers car buyers bible, says: “Hot hatchbacks are particularly popular, such as a 1980s Peugeot 205 GTI which can sell for £20,000. Values ​​of well-maintained examples of this nifty little investment have continued to rise steadily since it was first built in 1984 – when a new car sold for £6,245.

Cars such as British Leyland’s Morris Marina were the subject of reliability jokes in the 1970s. But fewer than 370 survive, driving prices up to £6,500. When they first rolled off the production line in 1971 they could be picked up for £923. And there are less than 300 Austin Allegros on the road, so a pristine low-mileage model can fetch £10,000. Shortly after they launched in 1973, you’d have paid £1,159 for one.

If you are interested in a particular car, an enthusiast club can help you. Details of over a hundred groups are listed on the classicandsportscar.com website. Or try Practical Classics magazine.

Vintage vinyl prices are reaching new heights

A vinyl renaissance is driving up prices as a new generation of music lovers appreciate the superior sound of streaming music or compact discs.

Over the past decade, the cost of new vinyl on eBay has been rising 19% per year on average, and experts say there’s no reason for it to slow down. They point to the fact that vinyl now accounts for almost a quarter of all album sales – levels not seen for more than three decades – as five million vinyl records were sold in the UK last year.

As this market matures, now may be the time to buy. Many fans stream music before purchasing their favorite sounds on vinyl. Discs also have more tactile and visual appeal than CDs.

The Discogs website gives details of all the disc pressings by groups, their price and where they can be purchased. Among the most valuable vinyls sold is a copy of The Beatles’ White Album, which went on sale for £313 in 1968. A copy once owned by drummer Ringo Starr sold for £580,000 in 2015, ten times the estimate.

A spokesperson said: “It’s not just the first vinyl pressings of the most popular bands that are highly sought after, but also rarities such as unusual record labels, color variations and album covers. strange.”

Discogs provides up-to-date information on vinyl prices and dealer details, but you can check out the monthly Record Collector magazine, which also publishes an annual rare record price guide, including details on over 100,000 collectible records . The secret to investing is to find a niche that interests you, on the grounds that others will too.

Prices for nostalgia games are skyrocketing – even flops

Enthusiasts are realizing the appeal of old computer games and investment consoles, recognizing the historical value of items from a time when games first became popular.

Last year, a 1996 Nintendo 64 Super Mario cartridge that sold for $60 new, pictured, fetched $1.5m (£1.1m) largely because of its peak state.

Jonathon Hendricks, owner of computer game value tracking system PriceCharting, says: “Retro games continue to be a great investment – ​​and 2022 could be an exciting year. A few years ago, the average price of collectible games rose by a quarter. Last year it was almost a third.

The trajectory looks set to continue, especially as investors rediscover more historic stocks. Hendricks says: “A lot of people have turned to old favorites played as youngsters during lockdown. Nostalgia will remain a key driving force this year.

Other games that have skyrocketed in value include a rare shooter challenge called Air Raid for the Atari console, and early Tetris games for Sega consoles, both now selling for five-figure sums, having initially been on sale for only a few. pound sterling. Even video game flops can be valuable because few survive. For example, Nintendo’s Donkey Kong Jr Maths homework puzzle proved to be an ass when it was released in 1983 at £3.49 – but can now sell for £300.

Consoles that are still boxed can sell for far more than their original price. A 1990s Sega Mega Drive can fetch £600, more than three times its original selling price of £190.

PriceCharting offers the latest prices on games and consoles, while websites such as CeX and eBay allow you to research the market as well as buy and sell old games.

ST. HELENA, California – February 17, 2022 – Chappellet vineyard announced today that Oscar Riveiro Woolsey has been named the winery’s new Director of Client Services. In this role, Riveiro Woolsey will lead Chappellet’s 15-person hospitality team and report directly to General Manager David Francke. As Director of Guest Services, Riveiro Woolsey will oversee all guest services at Chappellet, including its wine club, events program, concierge services and the winery’s famous tasting room on Pritchard. Hill.

Riveiro Woolsey, who was born in Spain, holds a degree in modern languages ​​from the University of Roehampton, London, and is fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese, with conversation skills in French and in Italian. He also holds an associate’s degree in wine marketing and sales from Napa Valley College. He began his career as a section manager for the Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessey group in London, England, before becoming general manager of the Villa Virginia hotel in the Maipo Valley of Chile, where he developed a program of very successful strategic alliance with Concha. y Toro, and has organized luxury wine and food tours in the region. Following his passion for wine, Riveiro Woolsey moved to Napa Valley in 2007, where he brought his experience in luxury goods and hospitality to the wine industry as a hospitality manager for Ehlers Estate, Retail Sales Manager for Luna Vineyard and most recently as Direct to Consumer Manager for all PlumpJack Group wine operations.

In discussing his new role at Chappellet, Riveiro Woolsey cites his belief in the importance of building long-term relationships and developing unforgettable wine experiences that create a deeper connection to the heritage of over 50 years. from Chappellet on Pritchard Hill. “Chappellet is an institution,” said Riveiro Woolsey. “As a multi-generational family winery, Chappellet embodies everything I love about wine. The family is passionately committed to the environment and cares deeply about the land they have stewarded for over half a century. Because the land defines the greatest wines, it is their intimate connection with their famous Pritchard Hill vineyard that has established the wines of Chappellet as world references.

“The future of Chappellet, and wineries like ours, depends on building meaningful and lasting relationships with our customers,” said Managing Director David Francke. “It requires having a customer-centric culture that cultivates and values ​​those relationships. As with our viticulture and winemaking programs, we are always striving to evolve, improve and raise the bar to new heights. Oscar is an accomplished leader, strategic thinker and ambassador, with a wealth of experience in luxury goods, hospitality, events and fine wines. When I think of what Oscar will bring to our customer service program, I remember a quote from Vince Lombardi that Donn Chappellet loved. “Perfection is not attainable, but if we pursue perfection, we can catch excellence.”

About Chappellet

In 1967, on the advice of legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff, the Chappellet family moved to the steep slopes of Pritchard Hill© and founded Chappellet, becoming Napa Valley’s second post-prohibition winery. As pioneers in planting vineyards at high altitudes, Chappellet has been recognized for crafting benchmark wines with an emphasis on mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, while establishing Pritchard Hill as one of the great wine regions of the world. In 2017, Chappellet celebrated its 50^and birthday as

A request has been filed to liquidate a long-established Auckland vineyard at Huapai near Kumeū.

Coopers Creek Vineyard on State Highway 16, a famous wine label and event venue, says it exports its products to
in the United States, Asia and Canada.

But a creditor is heading to court against this company.

Good Assets, whose offices are registered in the premises of a lawyer in Shortland St, has filed a request for a hearing against the winery which claims to produce fine wines and provide “40 years of quality and value”.

Good’s claim will be heard later this month in Auckland High Court, according to a public notice published today.

The winery says it has been “a true pioneer in New Zealand, introducing adventurous wine styles that have thrived in our soil and challenged our palates. Our multi-award winning Albarino is the embodiment of this innovative spirit” .

Its wines have been made from grapes grown in New Zealand’s best wine regions, he says.

“You will find our wines available worldwide, from London to Los Angeles, Toronto to Tokyo and many places in between.

Andrew and Cyndy Hendry own the vineyard. Attempts to speak to General Manager Andrew Hendry today were unsuccessful.

But Nick Farrands, a Morrison Kent lawyer who acts for the vineyard, said: “The business has suffered from temporary cash flow problems, largely due to pandemic-related issues. This created problems throughout the wine industry in general.

“However, the company is not insolvent. We are working with the plaintiff or owner to resolve the issues. Although there are disputes between the parties, we are confident that the issues will be resolved before the court appearance .”

Good Assets’ offices are Couch Harlowe Kovacevich on Shortland St and the plaintiff’s attorney is Aaron Harlowe of that firm.

The case is due to be heard in court on February 25.

A list of other creditors have security on the business, including Westpac.

Last decade the Herald reported how the property was for sale.

The property encompassing Coopers Creek Vineyard at 601 State Highway 16, Huapai in West Auckland, is for sale with a lease providing for the continued operation of the winery and vineyard by the current owners.

“Coopers Creek has been established for over 30 years and this 9.3ha site is home to its leading export wine brands,” says Dwayne Warby of Colliers International, which markets it before the private treaty closes on March 19. unless sold in advance over the counter.

“The wine company wants to stay on as a tenant to allow Coopers Creek to maintain its existing winery and vineyards and fund other projects,” Warby said.

“This will allow on-site activities to continue, including popular summer jazz concerts, tastings and cellar sales.”

The company produces a variety of wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Malbec, Syrah, Pinot Noir and Rosé.

Bottles of these varieties are listed for sale on its website for around $17-$19 each.

The Hendrys said they established the vineyard in 1980, when the New Zealand wine industry was small and relatively unknown.

Over the past four decades, it has transformed into a premier winery with a strong international presence, they said.

“He continues to innovate, especially with new styles of wine, introducing and introducing promising new grape varieties that are ideal for cool climate regions. Viognier, Albariño, Arneis, Marsanne and Montepulciano are new varieties for New Zealand, but heading for stardom. responds to a growing demand for these elegant varieties in addition to its long-standing pedigree with chardonnay, pinot, syrah and Bordeaux reds,” explains the vineyard.

Jazz concerts on summer Sundays have been held from the property for some time.

February 7 – Liquid Icons – the fine wine content research and production company founded by the late great Gstarrard Basset OBE MW MS and his friend Lewis Chester DipWSET – today announced the opening of the application window for The 2022 Taylor‘s Porto Golden Vines^® Diversity Scholarships. Candidates can apply online at: https://liquidicons.com/work/the-taylors-port-golden-vines-diversity-scholarships

42 applicants from 23 countries applied for the 2021 scholarships, which saw Angela Scott, USA and Dr Erna Blancquaert, South Africa win the award-winning scholarships. This year, an additional scholarship will be funded. The application window is open until Friday, April 8, 2022.

Taylor‘s Porto Golden Vines^® The Diversity Scholarship, Internship and Mentorship Program is for Black and minority ethnic students who wish to undertake the Master of Wine (MW) and Master Sommelier (MS) programs. – open to candidates from all over the world. These scholarships, worth up to £55,000 for each scholarship holder, will cover all of their course and examination costs, as well as the loss of earnings during their internships in companies.

The internship program includes a set of diverse work experiences with some of the countries of the world‘s best wineries and spirits distilleries: Bodega Catena Zapata, Castiglion del Bosco, ChaChateau Cheval Blanc, Chawater‘Yquem, Ch.aSmith-Haut-Lafitte, Lapostolle Clos Apalta, Caves Colgin, Dom PErignon, Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux, Domaine Baron Thénard, Domaine des Lambrays, Domaine Laroche, Klein Constantia, Lawrence Wine Estates (Heitz Cellars, Stony Hill Vineyard, Ink Grade Estate and Burgess Cellars), Liber Pater, Marchesi Antinori, Opus One, Ruinart, Symington Family Estates, Taylor‘s Port, Macallan Distillery, VilafontstarVina Vik, Weingut Egon Mago. Also, Amorim Cork, Annabel‘s Private Members Club, Kedge Wine School, Octavian Wine Vaults, OIV, UC Davis Department of Enology and Viticulture and WOW Wine School (Porto) will also offer academic courses or experience opportunities of work to the winners.

Adrian Bridge, Managing Director of Taylor‘s Port, added: “golden vines^® Fundraising program for the awards, launched in 2021 to honor the legacy of Gstarrard Basset, is a remarkable program with global reach. This shows how the wine industry can play an important leadership role in many areas, but particularly around diversity and inclusiveness. taylor‘s Port is a proud sponsor of Golden Vines^® The diversity scholarships that we are thrilled to see unite the entire global wine industry around this worthy cause.”

In addition to the 3x Taylor‘s Porto Golden Vines^® Scholarships, 4x golden vines^® Master of Wine & Master Sommelier Scholarships will also be awarded by the jury. The Master of Wine & Master Sommelier Scholarship Program is also for aspiring Black and Ethnic Minority Scholarships and is worth £12,500 each to cover their full course and examination fees for the Master of Wine or Master Sommelier programs.

Finally, the Wine Scholar Guild (WSG) will continue to sponsor 10 golden vines^® WSG Scholarships in 2022, awarded by the jury of students applying to the Taylor‘s Porto Golden Vines^® Diversity and Golden Vines^® Master of Wine & Master Sommelier scholarships.

The 2022 scholarship jury includes Angela Scott, the 2021 Taylor‘s Porto Golden Vines^® Diversity Scholarship Winner, Nina Basset FIH, Rajat Parr (Sandhi Wines), Clement Robert MS (The Birley Clubs / Annabel‘s) and, Chief Justice, Jancis Robinson OBE MW. The judges will also provide ongoing mentorship to The Golden Vines^® Diversity Scholars throughout their college journey.

Lewis Chester DipWSET, CEO of Liquid Icons, Honorary Chairman and Head of Fundraising at GstarThe rard Basset Foundation commented: “Following last year’s success‘s Golden Vines^® event, where we collected more than £1.2 million for the Foundation, we are able to offer 3x Taylor‘s Porto Golden Vines^® Diversity scholarships and 4x Master of Wine & Master Sommelier scholarships for the coming year. We are also happy to be able to continue to offer 10 Golden Vines^® WSG scholarships, all awarded by our expert jury. Nina Basset and I know how great Gstarrard would have been to see the efforts being made in his name to help change the face of the wine, spirits and hospitality industry by providing these incredible opportunities for people of color who want to reach the top of the industry.”

The Taylor Winners‘s Porto Golden Vines^® Diversity Fellowships will receive their awards at The 2022 golden vines^® AWARDS CEREMONY which will be held in Florence, Italy, from Friday October 14 to Monday October 17, 2022. During the ceremony, The Golden Vines^® Awards will be given to the world‘s top fine wine producers voted by leading members of the global fine wine industry in the Gstarrard Basset Global Fine Wine Report produced by Liquid Icons, with survey opening March 7, 2021.

About the Gérard Basset Foundation:

Set up to honor the legacy and memory of Gerard Basset OBE MW MS by addressing the wine, spirits and hospitality industries‘ the most pressing problems through education, training and mentoring, the Gérard Basset Foundation includes a multidisciplinary team of cutting-edge professionals: Lewis Chester DipWSET as Honorary Chairman and Head of Fundraising and Nina Basset FIH, Romanstar Basset, Ian Harris MBE DipWSET and Jancis Robinson OBE MW as Founding Trustees.

About Liquid Icons:

Liquid icons is a fine wine content research and production company founded by two friends to “do stuff in wine” – the late great Gérard Basset OBE MW MS and Lewis Chester DipWSET. We create first class original content and world research‘s finest fine wines and spirits. Our work encompasses filmmaking, industrial research, recognizing and celebrating excellence in wine and spirits, charitable and fundraising activities, and educational initiatives.

At a time when there is much talk about tiger conservation, the call for the protection and understanding of the iconic species reaches its zenith this year. According to the Chinese zodiac cycle, 2022 is the year of the tiger, which has led several organizations and brands to announce tiger-themed collections in several ways.

Some fashion houses have already launched their tiger-inspired collections, such as the striped bags of Stella McCartney, the animal patterns of coats and skirts of Burberry, the tiger graphics in the dresses of the French fashion house Kenzo, etc. Dolce & Gabbana offers animal prints in bright and wild colors on tiger brocade tops, shirts, pants and skirts.

Prada launched tiger-themed accessories, tote bags, phone straps and keychains. The Italian luxury fashion house has also raised awareness of the plight of tigers who are more at risk of extinction. The campaign features actor and singer Li Yifeng and actress Chun Xia.

Meanwhile, Salvatore Ferragamo invited Beijing-based artists Sun Yuan and Peng Yu to create a striking Ferragamo Studio bag inspired by traditional Chinese paintings, in addition to handbags, boots and sneakers. Inspired by traditional Chinese paintings, the print depicts the tiger which symbolizes passion, auspiciousness and security in Chinese culture. The tiger plays with other wild creatures, a crane, an eagle, a deer and a monkey in the classical Chinese garden covered in rocks, plants and flowers, presenting a vibrant scene of revival.

Aligned with the theme of the year, the tiger, the central symbol of Japanese fashion brand Onitsuka Tiger and an expression of the recurring theme of animal power, is clearly visible in its contemporary collection which combines fashion and sport, and heritage and innovation. Onitsuka Tiger, under the artistic direction of Andrea Pompilio, presented its Spring-Summer 2022 collection in Milan with a short film titled Milan-Tokyo, directed by HidetoHotta. A selection of complementary and versatile items with animal and geometric prints, as well as horizontal lines, are part of her beachwear. The shoe has two new sneaker styles with a printed sole and a shoe upper that depicts a characteristic feline coat.

In India, Sula Vineyards has introduced a range of wildlife wines called Kadu. In 2019, Sula Vineyards collaborated with the Sanctuary Nature Foundation to empower and support conservationists across India. The brand’s heritage has supported tiger conservation in Karnataka. “It is imperative that companies become aware of their responsibility towards the environment. As Indian wine pioneers, we want to contribute to the great work being done to protect tigers, in the way we know best: creating fine wines. Kadu is a tribute to our love for wildlife conservation,” says Rajeev Samant, CEO of Sula Vineyards.

Beyond businesses and fashion houses, tigers were ready for a treat at Singapore’s Mandai Night Safari as they recently craved coin-shaped chunks of meat as part of New Year’s themed treats lunar. The act particularly encouraged their hunting abilities. Meanwhile, colorful tiger sculptures, installed by local artists in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), will adorn the streets of Singapore until March this year, in a bid to raise awareness for the conservation of the tiger.

However, luxury fashion house Gucci has come under fire for inviting real-life tigers to an afternoon tea with models for its latest ad campaign. The brand stepped back from supporting an animal welfare charity when it launched the Gucci Tiger collection to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Tiger. The advertising campaign shows tigers lying on carpets and perched on pianos. On Instagram, the fashion house said the American Humane Society was “monitoring the set for animals and verifying that no animals were harmed.”