Sip And Support

We are delighted to formally announce that 0ur 16th (almost) Annual Charity Wine Fair (we missed a couple due to Covid) is due to take place on Sunday March 12th in The Westbury Hotel from 1pm to 5pm. As always, all proceeds go to a very worthwhile cause. This year we are asking you to "sip and support" us as we raise funds for Fraser Holden. Fraser was diagnosed with Motor Neuron disease last May, he and his wife raised almost €50k for IMNDA but now his condition has deteriorated rapidly. In December they were told he has a very rapid form and now they need to concentrate on his needs and care. (More info below)

This fair is going to be our biggest and best yet, we have the best selection of wines ever, more of our own direct imports than ever before, a number of new suppliers and winemakers themselves are taking the trip over to support this worthy cause, and, of course, there will also be some familiar faces!! We've already had some great prizes donated for the raffle. This is a fantastic day out and an excellent opportunity to discover new wines, just in time for Easter while supporting a worthy cause. We are really looking forward to seeing you there and if you haven't been before, here's what to expect.

 

What To Expect

With over 100 of the best wines in the country open on the day, we advise a little restraint but don't necessarily expect it. Three laps of the room should cover most of what's on offer from white, red, sparkling and fortified wines from around the world, you might even squeeze in a glass of water. (You'll be grateful on Monday) For those who want to make a proper day of it, Amuri Restaurant is only around the corner and they will be open on the day from 12pm to 8pm with some great offers for lunch and dinner for our wine fair guests, proof of attendance will be required and we would advise early booking.

We will provide you with a tasting sheet so do take note of the wines you like, take advantage of our delivery service and make sure to order before you forget what you like!!

Our tables will be managed by a number of our suppliers as well as some familiar faces!  This is a great opportunity to ask them as many questions as you want and see what new wines they have. We are very grateful for their time and support, and especially grateful to our following overseas suppliers for making the trip.

  • Jacky Barthelmé - Albert Mann, Alsace, France
  • Elsa - Chateau d'Astros, Provnce, France
  • Oscar Rivas - Bodegas Cornelio, Rioja, Spain
  • Noelia Callejo - Bodegas Felix Callejo, Ribera del Duero, Spain
  • Paolo Paffi - Casa Emma, Tuscany, Italy
  • Lucia - Clos De Lom, Valencia, Spain
  • Paolo DeMarie & Pamela Bicchi - DeMarie, Roero, Italy
  • Paolo Cottini & Silvio Dal Martello, Paolo Cottini, Valpolicella, Italy
  • Christoph Thörle - Thörle, Rheinhessen, Germany
  • Guillame Vavasseur - Vincent Girardin, Burgundy, France
  • Bernhard Rieder - Weinrieder, Kleinhadersdorf, Austria

As the afternoon draws to a close you will hear a little from Orlagh about the journey she and her family have been on and a little from Paul about the day itself and how much was raised. We will then hold the all-important raffle (people tend to get a little excited here, especially after a few drinks!) so make sure you don't lose your tickets!! We've some fantastic prizes on offer which were kindly donated by local businesses, and many more to come but for now, some of which include the list includes...

If you or your business would like to donate a prize, please contact us. The full list of donors will be published in our Wine Fair booklet and added to this blog.

Who We're Hosting Our Charity Wine Fair For

Fraser Holden is husband to Orlagh and doting Dad to Oonagh. On the 24th of May last year their world fell apart when Fraser received the devasting news from his neurologist that the pain in his back he had been suffering from, was not a trapped nerve and was in fact Motor Neuron Disease. Since then his life and the lives of his wife Orlagh and daughter Oonagh, have irrevocably changed.

Motor Neurone Disease is an incurable condition that causes the progressive degeneration of the nerve cells that control the muscles. This means messages gradually stop reaching muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting, it can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. There is no cure and Fraser was given a life expectancy of 2 to 5 years. In 7 months Fraser is 100% dependent on care. He no longer can do the very simplest of things, like scratch his head, feed himself, walk, use his phone or talk.

When Fraser was first diagnosed, he and Orlagh wanted to do something positive and raise much-needed funds for IMNDA.  These amazing, brave people managed to raise almost €50k by sharing their personal experiences of MND and tirelessly fundraising. Unfortunately now due to the rapid decline in Frasers' health, they now have to concentrate on Fraser's needs and care and need all the support they can get.

If you can not make it on the day but would like to support them, you can make a donation here

Their story will be aired on Virgin Media later this Spring.

What You Can Do

If this sounds like something you or someone you know would love to attend, book your tickets here! Spread the word, invite your friends and family along! If you can not attend on the day but would like to support you can drop a donation or a raffle prize in to The Corkscrew or The Westbury. Hopefully you can attend and we'll look forward to seeing you on the day!

We are also accepting Revolut payments and we will then email you your ticket, please include your email address in the message section. Payments can be sent to either @fionafr84 or @orlaghjgys