The Gérard Basset Foundation – Golden Vines Awards – 25th – 27th October 2024
We are writing with a rather special invitation to a spectacular event taking place in Madrid later this year. Think Krug, D’Yquem, Ornellaia and more, in the company of wine’s glitterati, to the backdrop of three-Michelin-starred dining…
In the space of just three years, The Golden Vines has become a landmark fixture in the annual wine calendar. Culminating in the world’s definitive awards to recognise and celebrate excellence in fine wine, the occasion brings together wine lovers and winemakers alike for a star-studded collection of dinners, masterclasses and one-of-a-kind experiences over the course of a magical weekend.
The Golden Vines was set up to honour the legacy of the late Gérard Basset OBE MS MW MBA OIV MSc. One of the greatest wine professionals of his generation and a true champion of the industry, Gérard was an extraordinary man and a great friend and supporter of the Club (we were honoured to have him on our membership committee). Most importantly, Gérard understood that any industry benefits from its people, and that diversity and inclusivity engages new, fresh perspectives and talent. Through training, funding, mentorship and development, the Gérard Basset Foundation works to empower new wine students from under-represented backgrounds, supporting them as they build their career. Over the past three years, the foundation has raised over £3 million and funded 55 scholarships and bursaries.
A major part of this comes through The Golden Vines – an event like no other over a long weekend of indulgence and insights. We are delighted, then, to have entered into a partnership to become a sponsor and supporter of this year’s extravaganza.
This year’s edition, taking place from 25th-27th October, will see some of the biggest names in the industry descend on Madrid for three days of Michelin-starred dinners, one-of-a-kind experiences and premium masterclasses. Through our support of the event, we are assembling a small group of Members to attend at a preferential rate with priority access to all sessions and a 67 Pall Mall table at the two stand-out dinners which open and close the weekend.
Full details of the weekend can be found on The Golden Vines website, but suffice to say the programme is elite. Masterclasses will be hosted by the likes of Bonneau du Martray, Dom Pérignon, Château d’Yquem, Harlan Estate, Penfolds, Ridge Vineyards, Vega Sicilia and Domaine Vincent Dancer. Wines being poured at the opening dinner on the Friday evening will include Krug 2003, Marques de Murrieta Ygay 1980 and Ornellaia 2006.
Saturday’s schedule features lunches hosted by Biondi Santi, Cheval Blanc, Domaine Jean Trimbach, Domaine Jacques Selosse, Liber Pater, Tenuta San Guido, Vege Sicilia and Weingut Egon Müller. Meanwhile, the gala dinner will be overseen by the brothers behind Catalonia’s three-Michelin-starred El Cellar de Can Roca, whose menus are renowned for their bold, innovative flavours. Dishes will be matched to wines including Dom Pérignon P2, Vege Sicilia Unico 2004, Barca Velha 1999 and Chateau d’Yquem 1983, while there will be entertainment from internationally acclaimed artists (when the event took place at Annabel’s three years ago, this was provided by none other than Kylie Minogue).
After the awards, galas, lunches and masterclasses, the weekend culminates on Sunday with various one-of-a-kind experiences provided by some of the world’s most renowned brands in the worlds of art, travel, fashion and sport. These include a Rolls Royce experience and lunch at Asador Etxebarri in San Sebastian (via private jet); a Real Madrid immersion at its Santiago Bernabéu Stadium; and a Champagne Salon & Delamotte experience with Audemars Piguet*.
Through our support of The Golden Vines, Members of 67 Pall Mall will enjoy priority booking to events across the three days, as well as access to a VIP concierge service for on-the-ground requirements, and preferential rates for all travel and accommodation. We have secured tickets for the weekend to a select group of Club Members at a price of £9,500 (a £500 reduction on the standard price). We are currently offering this opportunity to a small selection of Members. If you are keen to register your interest, please email [email protected] and we can provide further details of what to expect. It is worth noting that, since The Golden Vines is a charitable venture, part of this cost may be tax deductible, depending on your location. Please consult your tax professional to determine deductibility, and let us know if you need any further guidance as we may be able to point you in the right direction.
We dearly hope that you will join us at what will be a memorable occasion. Not only will you be supporting a wonderful cause, but we can guarantee that you will have a wonderful time.
*Please note that some activities, such as private jet and helicopter flights, incur extra travel costs.
Please contact our team to book your place by emailing [email protected].
FULL SCHEDULE
FRIDAY 25TH OCTOBER
MORNING MASTERCLASSES
California: BOND, Opus One, Ridge Vineyards, Vérité
Italian Icons: Il Marroneto, Borgogno, Casanova di Neri & Roagna
Château d’Yquem
Dom Pérignon
AFTERNOON MASTERCLASSES
Maison Krug
New World: Bodega Catena Zapata, Penfolds and IWA Sake
Spanish: Marqués de Murrieta, Vega Sicilia, Clos Mogador & Commando G
Burgundian: Domaine Vincent Dancer, Domaine Georges Noëllat & Domaine Bonneau du Martray
THE EVENING GALA
The Golden Vines® Gala at Real Casa de Correos with The Golden Vines® Live Auction, hosted by Sotheby’s
This evening is adorned by world-class hosts, entertainment, cuisine by two Michelin-star chef, Mario Sandoval and fines wines and spirits including Krug Grande Cuvée 162ème, Krug Vintage 2003, Equipo Navazos, Vega Sicilia Unico 2004, Barca-Velha 1999 & Taylors Port 50 year Tawny.
SATURDAY 26TH OCTOBER
THE LUNCHES
Biondi Santi, Ferrari Trento, Montervertine, Tenuta San Guido & Tenuta Sette Ponti
Domaine Arnoux Lachaux, Emidio Pepe, Jacques Selosse and Roagna
Domaine Jean Trimbach, Weingut Egon Müller & Vega Sicilia
Marques de Murrieta with vertical of aged Joselito Ham
Boërl & Kroff Champagne & Harlan Estate
Kei Shiogai & IWA Sake
Château Cheval Blanc
Maison Krug
Liber Pater
THE EVENING GALA
The Golden Vines® Awards Gala with the Official Awards Ceremony at the spectacular Palacio Cibeles.
The gala finale, with World-class hosts, entertainment from rising-star, Victor Ray, Michelin-starred cuisine by El Celler de Can Roca and fines wines and spirits including Dom Pérignon Rose 2008, Dom Pérignon P2, Petit Cheval Blanc 2020, Marques de Murrieta Ygay 1980, Ornellaia 2006, Palo Cortado González Byass (GV® Barrel Select), Chateau d’Yquem 1983 & Camus.
SUNDAY 27TH OCTOBER
THE EXPERIENCES
The Abadia Retuerta experience with private tour, lunch, spa treatment and overnight stay
Rolls Royce experience and lunch at Asador Etxebarri via Private Jet*
Salon & Delamotte and Audemars Piguet
Taylor’s Port Masterpiece Experience
Maison Camus and Cigars Afternoon
Lunch at Vega Sicilia via Helicopter*
The Italian Vigneron La Paulée
*subject to supplementary fees
Please note that the above schedule is preliminary and is subject to change without notice. Access to The Golden Vines® events are strictly reserved for those who have purchased a Ticket. Terms apply. Further details including hosts, locations and timings will be shared in advance of the event.