Blog. Wine In to Help Out
April 16, 2021 | Author Giuliana Vittiglio
Since the outbreak of C-19 we've seen some fantastic online events take place on our behalf, from virtual bingo to art classes, race nights to high-profile cookalongs, we've been blown away by the creative online experiences hosted by our supporters. Next up is a rather special virtual wine tasting hosted by our supporters in the wine industry including Corney & Barrow Wine Merchants, one of the oldest independent wine merchants in the UK, Alliance Wine and Boutinot Wine. Taking place on Thursday 13th May Corney & Barrow have partnered with TV presenter and author Oz Clarke and their own Rebecca Palmer to host a celebrity tasting panel and you're invited to take part too!
We caught up with people from the UK wine scene to learn more about the event and how the double whammy of Covid-19 and Brexit has impacted the wine industry.
How has the pandemic impacted the wine trade in general?
‘Covid has been a huge blow everyone in the wine trade. The hospitality sector makes up a sizeable part of C&B’s business but for many of our colleagues in the wine world, the impact has been far more acute. It has been difficult to see friends in both sectors struggle through no fault of their own. The wine and hospitality industries are so intertwined, we felt it was important to give something back.’
Tim Wheeldon, London On-trade Sales Manager, Corney & Barrow
‘The pandemic has shaken the wine trade to its foundations. Some businesses have been destroyed, some forced to re-build, while leaving everyone to brush themselves down and re-think what their business will look like in the future, how they will behave and how best they can support and serve the hospitality industry to recover also. But despite just how devastating it has been for all, it has also taught us all how to adapt and improve, to value what we hold dear and to be more resilient than we would have ever thought possible.’
Giles Cooke MW, Wine development director, Alliance Wine
What are your plans for the future?
‘Some normality would be nice! On top of the pandemic, both sectors have been trying to negotiate the after-effects of Brexit. In an ideal world, the remainder of 2021 will bring us all some calmer waters and some bumper trade. Realistically, the pathway is still unclear. For the time being we will continue to live day by day and react quickly to new challenges that might arise. Agility and innovation will continue to be crucial over the coming months.'
Tim Wheeldon, London On-trade Sales Manager, Corney & Barrow
‘The wine trade is currently dealing with the double whammy of Covid-19 and Brexit and at times it can seem like we are running a never-ending assault course. But, we have taken a lot of time to get together, address the challenges and come back stronger than ever before. We're currently gearing up for the opening of hospitality in England, to be followed shortly after by Scotland. Our sales teams are itching to get back out there and do what they love doing - engaging with hospitality, providing the best wines with the most relevant support - and of course advising our customers on how to make wine work for their business. It's what we do and we can't wait to get back out there.’
Giles Cooke MW, Wine development director, Alliance Wine
Why do you think the hospitality industry needs a charity like Hospitality Action?
‘The hospitality industry is filled with hard-working, dedicated and passionate people. Being able to work alongside them on a day-to-day basis is what makes the job so rewarding. It is reassuring to know that Hospitality Action will act as a safety net for anyone that falls on hard times. The work HA does is invaluable and that is why we are keen to show our support.’
Tim Wheeldon, London On-trade Sales Manager, Corney & Barrow
‘Hospitality has, unfairly, borne the brunt of the lockdown and large numbers of employees have either been on extended furlough, or have lost their jobs. The uncertainty felt by many employers, coupled with the high costs of opening, closing and re-opening has left many operators cautious, with potential employees equally cautious about accepting roles whose future is uncertain. Couple this with the industries historic issues with low pay, zero hours contracts, long hours and mental health issues and there is an obvious need for Hospitality Action to help support those who work in the industry that we all love. We're delighted to be able to support them and, by default, those in the industry who need our help most.’
Giles Cooke MW, Wine development director, Alliance Wine
Tell us about your fundraising, where did the idea spring from, how can people get involved?
‘The initial idea of 'Wine In to Help Out' was the brainchild of Lilla O’Connor, a wine marketing consultant and friend to many of us in the trade. Like all of us, she was upset at how disproportionately Covid was affecting the hospitality industry. After speaking with friend Kat Bawden a music PR, the idea of bringing wine and celebrities together to raise money was born!'
Tim Wheeldon, London On-trade Sales Manager, Corney & Barrow
Whether you're an individual or an organisation, you can take part in 'Wine In to Help Out' on May 13th alongside Oz Clark, Rebecca Palmer and a line-up of celebrities who will all be sharing their thoughts on a selection of wines as you do the same. All four delicious bottles have been specially selected for their unique stories and are sure to provoke some lively debate amongst the panel! To reserve your space and purchase the case of wines, with all profits kindly donated to HA, click here