Just how does Naked Wines decide which producers to work with and invest in? How was it able to invest over $5 million in producers during Covid-19 and put together a Restaurant Rescue Case? Wine director, Ray O’Connor MW, explains all to Richard Siddle.
Even after all these years there is still some level of intrigue about how Naked Wines runs its business. Are those promises of investing upfront to help winemakers around the world, using money from the monthly subscriptions of its Angels, well, too good to be true?
If Ray O’Connor MW had been spokesperson for Naked Wines in recent years, rather than heading up its buying team, there would be a lot less questions to be answered.
The week in pictures 12th March, 2021 by Phoebe French
Singer and songwriter Nicole Scherzinger has become the latest celeb to launch a wine. Called Anti-Party, the Grenache-Syrah blend was made in partnership with Nocking Point Wines, with the name chosen to encourage people to stay at home and avoid large gatherings.The wine is being sold in packs of two for US$54.
Scherzinger said: “With the world still very much fighting coronavirus, I wanted to provide some conscientious libation while we remain in various stages of stay-at-home orders across the country. For me, red wine has always instilled a sense of connection, being in the moment and bringing people together. Over the last twelve months, whether it’s been home alone on the phone to my girls, just me and my boyfriend, or a small family gathering – there’s always been a glass of red wine in my hand.”
The Drinks Business
25 January 2021 By Rupert Millar
Leading Spanish winery Vega Sicilia has announced a new trade distribution partnership in the UK with Berkmann Wine Cellars with immediate effect.
The agreement covers Great Britain and the Channel Islands and covers all trade channels although Berry Bros & Rudd, parent of the winery’s former agent Fields, Morris & Verdin, will continue to import the wines for sales to private clients.
The latest vintage releases from Vega Sicilia, including the 2011 ‘Unico’ and Valbuena 5º 2016 will be released next month.
Antonio Menéndez, general manager of Tempos Vega Sicilia, said: “Great Britain is a key strategic market for Tempos Vega Sicilia. We truly believe BWC will take our wines to the next level in terms of distribution in on and off premises. The main priority for TVS is to ensure that our wines are properly delivered to all British customers and the BWC team offers us this possibility.”