The week in pictures

This week in the world of drinks: Moët & Chandon announces the opening of its largest stand-alone Champagne bar in Europe at Harrods, Phillip Schofield hosts the launch of the world’s first paper bottle, and Ferrari Trento is the official toast of the first ever Miami Grand Prix.

Moët & Chandon has announced that it is launching its largest stand-alone Champagne bar in Europe at upscale London department store, Harrods.

Boasting a hand-sculpted, gold sweeping chandelier, the intimate 34-seated bar that will offer a full selection of Moët & Chandon champagnes, from the iconic Moët Impérial, Rosé Impérial and Ice Impérial trio, to the current Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2013 and Grand Vintage Rosé 2013 releases.

Much loved ITV’s This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield hosted the launch of the world’s first paper bottle at an event in Prezzo this week.

He joined Rob Malin, CEO of the leading alt-format wine brand, When in Rome to talk about the brand and their journey to the paper bottle launch.

“My mission is to bring premium wines to market that provide wine lovers with more sustainable options when purchasing, without compromising on quality,“ stated Schofield.

“I’m really proud of how my range is developing and how, with When in Rome, we can continue to champion sustainability within this category and evolve and strengthen alternative format packaging.”

Castello di Cigognola and Bentu Luna hosted a unique tasting showcasing brand new winery Bentu Luna’s “extreme organic farming, spontaneous fermentation in concrete tanks, oak and amphoras with temperature control, basically, no additives added, clean on the nose, great winemaking precision, no bret, no oxidations”.

The event was held at Passione Vino and attended by UK wine professionals and members of the press.

And Italian sparkling wine brand Ferrari Trento is set to become the official toast of the first Miami Grand Prix, which takes place this weekend.

Simone Masè, General Manager of Gruppo Lunelli, commented “We are extremely proud that Ferrari Trento will be the Official Toast of the Miami Grand Prix. As the first ever Grand Prix to take place in Miami, this is a hugely significant moment for the city, and we are thrilled to be a part of it. This is a special collaboration based on our shared values, such as the pursuit of excellence in every detail, and in celebrating important moments, observing Miami’s impressive history in hosting world-class sporting events. We look forward to bringing a touch of Italian style to such events over the years to come.”