Earthquake in Chile
We wish to express our deepest condolences for the suffering of many employees and their families who have been affected both personally and materially by the devastating earthquake in Chile.
Wines of Chile are planning to set up a fund specifically to help those in the Chilean wine business directly affected by the tragedy, but until this is organised, and if anyone wants to donate, the Chilean Embassy appeal will direct money to the most appropriate areas of need in Chile and has set up a bank account to receive donations to aid the Earthquake Appeal Fund.
Details are as follows:
Chilean Earthquake Appeal
Sort Code: 23.47.36
Account No: 01010982
The wine industry has been affected, but after several days of working to assess its impact, it has been determined that the damage is, in fact, limited. The damage to infrastructure varies among the different wineries and has not, as yet, been fully measured. The vineyards have not been affected but many are waiting for electricity to be restored in order to determine the extent of damage to irrigation systems.
Routine work has been re-established—or will be shortly. Bottling lines are in generally good working condition, as are the cellars, which are already being repaired. The 2010 harvest has begun, and volumes should not be affected by the earthquake. Some shipments are already being despatched, although the speed of transportation will depend upon the general functioning of the country’s overall infrastructure, such as highways and ports.
The wineries are also focusing their efforts on attending to the morale and material needs of their employees.
Michael Cox, Director of Wines of Chile, said: "After several days of concern since the weekend’s traumatic earthquake in Chile, I am relieved to learn that the impact on the country’s vibrant wine trade is less than anticipated, and whilst there are still issues to overcome, I am confident that Chile will rise to the challenge. Our primary message is that we are working arduously to re-establish normality in the wine industry and to continue delivering the best of Chile to the rest of the world through our wines."
2009 prices held until April
VAT may have increased, but we will not be changing our shop and web prices until our new list is published in April, giving you especially good value on our range of 600+ wines with lots of personality from around the world.
Throughout our website you will find information about our winemakers and details of restaurants nationwide which serve their wines. There are some great mixed case offers, and a variety of special wine gifts.
Or come and visit us in person in our shop in Bath, just to browse or to attend one of our events.
We would like to send your our 2010 Wine List electronically, so please let us have your email address. Please email edm@greatwesternwine.co.uk with your details.
Atlantic Rowing Race
4th January 2010
Rob and Stuart are on the final leg of this gruelling challenge, with just 522 miles to go! When Rob called a few weeks ago he sounded pleased with their progress but exhausted - they are rowing 2 hours on / 2 hours off, 24/7 and have been for seven weeks - so it's hardly surprising!
He thanked everyone for their support and please keep the messages coming.
The Atlantic Rowing Race 2009 is one of the world's toughest ocean rowing challenges and the ultimate test of mental strength and physical ability.
Rob Casserley and Stuart Burbridge make up Boat 8 - Ocean2Summit - and set off rowing from La Gomera in Gran Canaria on 4th January 2010. Ahead of them were 2700 miles of open water and all that mother nature and one or two sharks, whales and container ships could throw at them.
Approximately two months later they are due to arrive in English Harbour, Antigua, where their slightly leaner and broken bodies will be met by friends and family.
You can follow their progress on the Atlantic Rowing Race website - click on the link to Teams - Ocean2Summit are Boat 8.
Great Western Wine Gift Vouchers
You can buy Great Western Wine gift vouchers for friends, relatives, colleagues and clients to spend in our Bath shop. They make great Christmas presents and are the ideal gift for anyone you know who loves wine!
Please call us for more information or to arrange for us to send vouchers with your personal message and gift card on 01225 322820.
Gifts Range
Our gifts service makes sending great-value, stylish wine gifts quick and easy and ensures happy recipients.
All gifts are offered in lovely presentation boxes,can be personalised with your messages, and can be delivered anywhere in the UK mainland. What’s more, our national multi-drop service gives you one easy-to-use spreadsheet order form.
Choose from more than 30 carefully selected gift ideas on our website, or call us if you would like advice for tailored gifts to fit your budget on 01225 322820.
International Wine Challenge and Decanter World Wine Awards 2009
The wine 'Oscars' have been and gone - with tremendous results for us and our winemakers.
International Wine Challenge
Merchant AwardsWinner - Regional Merchant of the Year for South West England
Highly Commended - Specialist Merchant of the Year Regional France
Commended - Direct Merchant of the Year, On-Trade Supplier of the Year, Wine List of the Year
5 Gold Medals
9 Silver
21 Bronze
7 Commended
Decanter World Wine Awards
3 Trophies2 Gold Medals
16 Silver
20 Bronze
4 Commended
Visit the Press pages for the full list of award-winning wines.
Ronnie's - Restaurant of the Year
August 2009
More than 23,000 people around the country voted for their top local independent restaurant to produce a shortlist of ten regional winners - Ronnie’s was voted the public’s favourite South West Restaurant. It then fought off strong competition - including previous winners to take the top prize of Restaurant of the Year.
This award champions the very best independent restaurants in every corner of the UK - those that combine fresh, local produce with skilful cooking and exemplary service, to create a really enjoyable dining experience.
Elizabeth Carter, editor of The Good Food Guide, said: ‘Independently owned and run restaurants such as Ronnie’s are the very antidote of the chain restaurants that dominate our high streets. I'm delighted that Ronnie’s has won The Good Food Guide's Restaurant of the Year award, as it’s a glowing endorsement of Ron Faulkner's skill as a chef and restaurateur. His fiercely loyal following is testament to a strong commitment to fresh, local produce, modern food and a genuinely welcoming service.’
Winebibber: n: one who indulges in the habitual drinking of wine.
Winebibbers - you, me and a harem of wine thirsty individuals with a taste for more.
Would you like to explore the alternative world of wine?
We’d like to invite you to join us on a wine adventure. From Chile to Champagne, we’ll take you on an experimental tour of some of the world’s best wineries over three monthly sessions. We’ll dabble in grape varieties, experiment with wines from diverse winemaking regions and trick or treat you with the best and worst foods to serve with each one. Taste wines you’ve never tasted before and wines that you’ll never want to taste again. Drink, appreciate and be merry in this relaxing, informal and interesting atmosphere at our shop in Bath
No prior knowledge is necessary, but an inquisitive mind and unsuspecting palate are essential!
To find out more, please call Kate on 01225 322804 or email winebibbers@greatwesternwine.co.uk.
