#WeekInPictures: New York to Napa and a big day at the DB Conference
From a star-studded dinner in Manhattan to grassroots rugby in the Midlands and fine wine in London, the drinks trade gathered, celebrated and debated. The DB Conference also returned this week, tackling the realities and opportunities shaping the industry’s future.
Molly Gordon at the New York Film Festival
At the 63rd New York Film Festival, actress, screenwriter and director Molly Gordon hosted an intimate dinner in the Harold S. Vanderbilt Penthouse at InterContinental New York Barclay. The evening formed part of Doors Unlocked by InterContinental, a new global series of bookable experiences designed to immerse guests in major cultural moments. Gordon, surrounded by family and friends, reflected on her New York beginnings as Frank Sinatra crooned through the speakers and a Big Apple dessert closed the night.
Pizza and sake pairing at db HQ
A lively lunch at db HQ saw Akashi-Tai sake meet Pizza Drop for an informal but considered pairing: tuna and daiginjo, pineapple pork and plum liqueur, Margherita and sparkling sake, sausage and honjozo.
Bath Rugby partners with Witchmark Distillery
Bath Rugby and Witchmark Distillery announced a multi-year partnership that will see Witchmark serve as the Official Spirits Supplier until 2028. The collaboration includes exclusive pouring rights at club venues and a co-branded Bath Rugby x Witchmark Gin available to fans at the stadium and beyond.
Cincoro launches at Annabel’s
At Apollo’s Muse, Emilia Fazzalari hosted the Annabel’s × Cincoro launch with distributor Mangrove. Once a Bloomberg executive, now co-founder of Cincoro with Michael Jordan, she spoke of the thousand test blends behind the tequila. Beyond business, her foundation funds scholarships for young women in Calabria and backs global health and climate causes.
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Johnnie Walker’s Couture Blend
The Couture Blend, a Johnnie Walker Scotch created with Olivier Rousteing, debuted at Tobi Masa. Master Blender Dr. Emma Walker called it ‘a fusion of fashion and craftsmanship’ – blended in her Edinburgh Vault from rare whiskies including Port Ellen and Brora. Just 1,500 bottles, rich with nectarines, spun sugar, and umami depth (£2,000, Harrods).
Camden Town Brewery backs grassroots rugby
Camden Town Brewery has arrived in Rugby. Former internationals Scott Quinnell and Alex Goode joined the celebrations as the brewery announced its sponsorship of Rugby Football Club. Free pints, new floodlights and a community-first plan set the tone for the long season ahead.
Constellation brings Napa to London
db editor Sarah Neish tasted new vintages from Napa’s Schrader Cellars and Robert Mondavi Winery, including expressions from To Kalon Vineyard. London remains one of the few markets chosen for these official global releases, a reminder of the city’s place in the fine wine conversation.
DB Conference returns
The DB Conference brought the industry together at London’s Science Gallery to face the realities of trading in a tightening market. Across four panels, speakers explored margin pressures, multichannel strategies, digital transformation and collaboration, offering a clear-eyed view of where the trade is and where it may go next.
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#WeekInPictures: from supermarket snacks to Scotch firs
