#WeekInPictures: Dom Pérignon, Bollinger and old vines

This week’s gatherings ranged from the unveiling of Dom Pérignon Vintage 2018 in Bilbao and a major appointment at Bollinger to the launch of the Old Vine Conference’s inaugural photography competition. Across Champagne, London and Spain, producers, sommeliers and photographers celebrated heritage and the future of fine wine.

Old Vine photography competition shortlist unveiled in London

The Old Vine Conference revealed the shortlist for its inaugural Old Vine Photography Competition during its Heritage Showcase at St John’s, Waterloo. Twenty-one images were selected from 272 submissions by photographers around the world, with works spanning landscape, people, cultural legacy and vineyard resilience.

The shortlisted photographs are now on display in a pop-up exhibition, while public voting remains open until 8 July ahead of the winners being announced on Old Vine Day, 15 July. The Heritage Showcase also featured 170 wines produced from old vines, heritage cuttings and ancient vine material.

Dom Pérignon unveiled Vintage 2018 in Bilbao

Dom Pérignon gathered guests in Bilbao for its annual Révélations event, offering the first taste of its forthcoming Vintage 2018 release. Hosted across the Carreras Mugica gallery and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, the programme included discussions between chef de cave Vincent Chaperon and artist Claudine Drai, alongside a performance created by Tilda Swinton and curator Oliver Saillard.

Guests also experienced a dedicated tasting of Vintage 2018, the first vintage fully shaped by Chaperon following his succession of Richard Geoffroy.

Ruinart Sommelier Challenge crowned UK winner

Zareh Mesrobyan, head of wine at Estelle Manor, won the 2026 UK edition of the Ruinart Sommelier Challenge held at The Dorchester. The competition focused on rosé Champagne, ripening and winemaking, with participants completing blind tastings and masterclasses led by chef de caves Caroline Fiot.

Mesrobyan will now join fellow international winners on an educational visit to Champagne.

Bollinger appointed Émilien Boutillat as cellar master

Champagne Bollinger announced the appointment of Émilien Boutillat as its new cellar master from October 2026. Currently chief winemaker at Piper-Heidsieck, Boutillat brings experience from leading wineries across France and internationally.

A two-time International Wine Challenge Cellar Master of the Year, he will take responsibility for maintaining and evolving the Bollinger house style as the producer approaches its bicentenary.

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