Industry does its bit for Wine Relief

Leading retailers from the UK’s wine industry have once again come together for the seventh year of Wine Relief, giving wine lovers an opportunity to contribute to Red Nose Day in the simplest way.

Culminating on Red Nose Day on Friday 18 March, retailers including Marks & Spencer, Waitrose, Majestic, Laithwaites, Booths, Wine Rack and Virgin Wines are donating 10% from the sale of specially selected wines, helping to change the lives of poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged people living across the UK and Africa.

Gino D’Acampo, Wine Relief spokesperson and celebrity Italian chef, said: “The concept is very simple. Every time you buy a bottle of wine from the Wine Relief range, 10% goes straight to Comic Relief which helps people in the UK and Africa.”

Speaking about his favourite wine recipes, D’Acampo said: “I’m a great believer that red wine makes great gravies, so whenever I do a roast I will always do a red onion and red wine gravy or I like to make red wine sauces.”

Jancis Robinson MW, instigator of the Wine Relief initiative with husband and restaurant critic Nick Lander, said: “Wine Relief provides wine lovers with a delicious excuse to treat their taste buds, all in the name of charity.

“Chances are you’ll be buying a bottle with your weekly shop anyway. Why not try something a little better than usual, knowing that it will result in an even more generous and thoroughly worthwhile donation?”

The wines comprise reds, whites and rosés. Marks & Spencer’s Wine Relief selection ranges from Rockridge Chardonnay (£6.99) and Charles Back Barbera (£9.99) to Villiera Barrel Aged Chenin (£10.49).

Majestic has included Barbera d’Alba Sucule 2007 Villa Lanata (£9.99), Morgon 2009 Château de Pizay (£8.99) and some vegetarian wines including Pinot Gris 2008 Cave de Turckheim (£8.99).

Since its launch in 1999, Wine Relief has helped to raise £3.8 million for Comic Relief.

Alan Lodge, 23.02.2011