The Vintners’ Company Annual Lunch in aid of The Drinks Trust was held on Friday, 10th January 2025, at Vintners’ Hall.
We were, once again, delighted to be welcomed by the Vintners' Company for the Annual Wine Trade Lunch in aid of The Drinks Trust. This event has gone from strength to strength over the last few years and now represents a 'must' event in the Trade calendar, being sold out since the beginning of the previous December.
The Vintners’ Company Annual Lunch in aid of The Drinks Trust saw the attendance of 158 senior members of the drinks trade. The yearly event is a further demonstration of the continuing support of The Drinks Trust by its Founder Patron, The Vintners’ Company, exemplifying the spirit of the trade and showing how the drinks industry so generously supports its own community.
Another highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the Vintners’ Drinks Trust Award to Charlie Stanley-Evans & Justin Wateridge. The Award was established by the Trade Liaison Committee of The Vintners’ Company in 2013 to acknowledge and celebrate individuals who have actively and innovatively helped raise the profile of The Drinks Trust and its work, going above and beyond the call of duty in supporting their trade charity. The award was presented to Charlie and Justin, who embarked on an epic challenge in July 2024. The two supporters, better known as the Cotswolds Canoeists, participated in the Yukon 1000 challenge, raising money for The Drinks Trust. Promoted as “The World’s Most Grueling Race Covering 1,000 Miles Along the Yukon,” this competition witnessed the Cotswolds Canoeists paddling for nearly 18 hours daily along the Yukon River, the second longest in Canada. During this challenge, they navigated treacherous rapids and narrow passages and risked encountering wild bears in the remote wilderness of Alaska and Canada.
In addition to the presentation of the Award, guests at the luncheon enjoyed a superb three course meal accompanied by the finest wines from the Vintners' cellars, whilst networking with fellow members of the trade. With their incredible support and the generous donations on the day, we have raised just under £16,000 to support your drinks industry colleagues.