After a five-year hiatus, the much-anticipated Drink Finder Wine Show triumphantly returned in November 2023. Fuelled by a flurry of inquiries from eager past attendees, the event aimed to recapture the magic of previous years.
The Falmouth Hotel was chosen as the elegant setting for this November 9th gathering. Curating the selection was no small feat, with over 1,500 wines and 5,000 total products hoping for a chance at being showcased. The team meticulously crafted a selection featuring 16 exhibitors showcasing 169 diverse wines and spirits, catering to both public and trade.
Early bird tickets sold out quickly, demonstrating the enduring popularity of the event. Staying true to tradition, a portion of the proceeds went towards a worthy cause. This year, the beneficiary was the RNLI, a vital charity dedicated to maritime search and rescue. To further bolster the donation, a raffle was held with a range of prizes, from producer-donated wine sets to magnums of Champagne. The crowning jewel, however, was an Imperial bottle (6 Litres) of Glenelly Stellenbosch Estate Reserve 2011, generously donated by the Drink Finder team.
The combined efforts of ticket sales and the raffle resulted in a remarkable £750 contribution to the RNLI, enough to equip a crew member with a life jacket and helmet, or even a new drysuit. The story doesn't end there. Melz, from the Trengilly Wartha Inn, the lucky winner of the Glenelly Imperial, further amplified its charitable impact. On Christmas Day, the Trengilly held another raffle featuring the bottle, this time raising funds for St Petrocs, a local organization fighting homelessness in Cornwall. For this they raised £690!
The evening itself was a true celebration of wine, with guests immersing themselves in a world of both established classics and exciting new discoveries. From renowned regions to hidden gems, the selection catered to every palate and curiosity. The event was more than just a tasting; it was an opportunity to connect with passionate importers and producers, gleaning insights and knowledge from the heart of the wine world.
The 2023 Drink Finder Wine Show marked a successful return, proving its enduring place as a premier event for wine enthusiasts.
STAFF SHOW FAVOURITES
Andrew’s stand out wine of the show was the Bouchard Pere & Fils Savigny-les-Beaune 2019 from France. “This is a wine exuding aromas of berries, this elegant wine is soft and supple, with notable ageing potential”.
Mark’s highlight from the show was Villa Maria Keltern Vineyard Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2020 from New Zealand for its exceptional value. “On the nose, this wine offers a captivating bouquet of white nectarine, complemented by intriguing hints of flint and toast. The palate is sleek and elegant, leading to a finish of notable length and finesse. With careful cellaring this will gain further complexity, mineral and toast like characters”.
Jon chose the Bouchard Finlayson Crocodiles Lair Kaaimansgat Chardonnay 2021 from South Africa. “Hailing from the majestic Overberg mountains, this Chardonnay boasts a captivatingly fresh and crisp profile. Ripe gooseberry notes dance alongside subtle hints of French oak, creating a wine of remarkable elegance and finesse”.
Sam’s favourite from the Wine Show was Tholomies Crémant de Limoux Brut NV. “This delightful Crémant de Limoux shimmers with a pale gold brilliance, hinting at the delicate floral and citrus aromas that await. A touch of almond adds a subtle complexity, creating an enticing invitation to unfold its secrets”.
Helen’s choice was the Loveday Golden Hour Gin from the one of the local producers. “The bottle seemed to glow with the warm hues of sunset, inviting exploration. Loveday Golden Hour, a small-batch gin distilled on the coast, promised an intriguing complexity. Its bitter-sweet notes were harmoniously balanced by delicate floral aromas, suggesting a perfect companion for savouring the moment with loved ones as the sun dipped below the horizon”.
Finally James the young, budding, in-house port enthusiast picked the Grahams 20 Year Old Tawny Port. “The wine boasts an excellent bouquet, characterized by a unique nutty note, complemented by the richness of mature fruit and subtle hints of orange peel. On the palate, it's rich, softly sweet, and impeccably smooth, showcasing perfect balance that lingers in a long and elegant finish”.