#WeekInPictures: Mermaid milestones, Pinot Grigio in the park and Tuscany’s quarry transformation
From the Isle of Wight to Cambridge and the Tuscan coast, here’s what made waves this week in drinks.
Mermaid Gin turns 10
The Isle of Wight Distillery celebrated a decade of Mermaid Gin at Wright Brothers in south London. Co-founders Xavier Baker and Conrad Gauntlett launched the flagship gin in 2015, crafted with 10 botanicals, including locally foraged rock samphire. Now found in 52 countries, Mermaid marked the occasion with a 46% ABV 10th Anniversary Gin featuring fig leaves from one of the UK’s oldest trees. The B-Corp-certified brand has weathered challenges from Covid to tariffs and is now focusing on crystal-clear objectives for the decade ahead.
Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie takes the stage
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At Cambridge’s Foodies Festival, Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie DOC stepped away from wine trade formality with a consumer masterclass led by Peter McCombie MW. Guests explored six wines from the Triveneto region, from crisp summer-ready whites to a copper-hued ramato, learning the stylistic differences between Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris and discovering why this accessible, consistent style continues to win over UK drinkers.
Cantina Meraviglia opens in a Tuscan quarry
After eight years in the making, Cantina Meraviglia has opened in Bolgheri, carved into the former Cariola quarry. Commissioned by Alejandro Bulgheroni Family Vineyards and designed by Bernardo Tori Studio, the 7,000m² winery blends into the volcanic landscape with 95% locally sourced materials and gravity-fed winemaking. It will produce wines from Tenuta Meraviglia and Tenuta Le Colonne, and host visitors from September with panoramic terraces, a library over the barrel cellar and a mission rooted in environmental, social and economic sustainability.
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