Graham Norton helps raise £60k for The Drinks Trust at star-studded gala

The broadcaster joined industry figures at Claridge’s for The Drinks Trust Gala, helping raise more than £60,000 to support people working across the drinks trade.

Broadcaster and entertainer Graham Norton helped raise more than £60,000 for The Drinks Trust at its annual Gala, held at Claridge’s on Monday 6 October.

The black-tie event brought together 240 guests from across the drinks industry for an evening of philanthropy and celebration, hosted by Norton and global rum ambassador Ian Burrell, whose humour and warmth set the tone for the night.

A night of generosity and celebration

Guests enjoyed a three-course dinner prepared by Claridge’s chefs, accompanied by Norton’s own New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, supplied by his long-term partners Invivo Wines.

The charity’s online auction, Bidding Together, also concluded during the evening, with guests bidding on prizes including VIP tickets to RUMFest, a Silent Pool Royal Ascot VIP Experience for Four, and an exclusive villa stay in Florida, helping boost the fundraising total.

Speaking after the event, Norton said: “It’s been such a joy to host tonight’s Gala, to hear more about the incredible work The Drinks Trust does, and see so much generosity in one room. The drinks industry is lucky to have this kind of support – and I’m delighted I could play a small part in raising such an impressive amount.”

Funds raised will go directly towards The Drinks Trust’s work providing financial, emotional and practical support to people across the drinks industry. With one in five industry professionals currently facing financial hardship, the charity said the funding will help expand its services and reach more people in need.

Celebrating industry contributions

Nicky Burston, CEO of The Drinks Trust, said: “What an extraordinary evening this has been. Graham Norton and Ian Burrell went above and beyond to make the Gala such a success, helping us exceed our fundraising target and filling the room with genuine warmth and support for our mission. We are deeply grateful to them both, as well as to our generous sponsors and guests, whose contributions made this possible. Thanks to the remarkable backing of our industry, we are now just a quarter of a million pounds away from reaching the £1 million target for our Face It Together campaign.”

As well as raising vital funds, the Gala recognised companies and individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to The Drinks Trust’s mission, with special awards presented during the evening.

The 2025 Gala was supported by Headline Sponsor Hillebrand Gori, with product sponsors including Asahi, BERO, Campari Group, Fentiman, Hildon Water, Graham Norton Wines produced by Invivo, Hatch Mansfield, Jörg Geiger, Mentzendorff, Treasury Wine Estates, and William Grant & Sons.

Graham Norton Wines and Invivo

Since partnering with New Zealand’s Invivo Wines in 2014, Norton has developed one of the world’s most successful celebrity wine ranges. What began with a single Sauvignon Blanc has evolved into a portfolio of ten wines and spirits, including Prosecco DOC, Rosé, Shiraz, Malbec, and a range of Irish gins and vodka.

The wines have earned over 300 accolades, become bestsellers in both the UK and New Zealand, and ranked among Ireland’s Top 20 brands for four consecutive years. Invivo, one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest crowdfunded wine companies, now exports to 43 countries and is known for its innovative approach to winemaking.

In March 2025, Norton was named Marlborough’s first-ever Grape Ambassador by Mayor Nadine Taylor, recognising his long-standing support for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

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