Our Festivals
Singapore Festival
16–18 September 2022
So wonderful – the APZ was finally able to gather for the Singapore Festival - over 3 days, old friends reunited and new friends were made. From local street eats to fine Indian cuisine at the legendary Raffles hotel to a Michelin starred meal - they bonded together over food and wine.
During the evening of Italian wines, members were led through an optional tasting featuring the wines of Domenico Clerico from the area of Monforte d’Alba. Mr Domenico Luccio, brand representative for the wines, lead the tasting of 5 vintages of Domenico Clerico’s Pajana, Barolo from 2004-2008.
This was followed by the gala dinner held at the charming Dutch Pavilion located within the grounds of the Shangri-la hotel. Members enjoyed the 2014 and 2015 vintages of Tenuta San Guido’s Le Difese, Guidalberto and of course the famed Sassicaia. Our weekend ended with a lunch at Singapore’s National Gallery where members enjoyed the view of the Singapore skyline.
The APZ was very happy to kick off their festivals once again and were very pleased to welcome representatives from 9 branches from 7 countries. Thank you to Nicola Lee and the Singapore Branch for organising such a wonderful event.
Torquay Festival
22-24 September 2022
A taste of the English Riviera – this weekend of fine wine and food included a tour of Sandridge Barton winery which is now also home to the recently acquired Sharpham Wine and owned by IWFS members based in the Cayman Islands.
We were 39 who met in delightful Torquay, on the southern English coast, for this weekend organised by the Devonshire branch of the Europe Africa Zone. Those who had travelled were based at the iconic and elegant The Grand Hotel situated above Corbyn beach. The festival commenced in style with a splendid eight-course tasting menu matched with six wines at the Michelin-starred restaurant - The Elephant by Simon Hulstone situated in beautiful Torquay harbour.
On Friday, we were treated to a tour of Sandridge Barton winery which is now also home to the recently acquired Sharpham Wine and owned by IWFS members based in the Cayman Islands. We enjoyed an informative and educational English wine tasting. A highlight was tasting juice, both free flow and pressed, from recently picked grapes; a new experience for many. The tasting was followed by a tapas style lunch. For dinner, we enjoyed a fabulous meal served as sharing plates at the delightful Wild Artichokes run by the dynamic combination of Jane Baxter (who cooks) and Sam Miller (who organises).
On Saturday members met for the AGM, Members’ Forum and buffet lunch. Full details of this event and our festival will be included in the next issue of F&W.
Many thanks to Geeta and Gordon Lloyd for organising this most enjoyable festival.
Washington DC Great Weekend
12-15 October 2022
This was such a great weekend with the meticulous work in organising the four-day festival in one of the most beautiful and visitied cities in the US was greatly appreciated by all who attended.
The Washington DC Great Weekend organized by two long time directors; Steven Greenwald-Chairman of the Festivals and Events Committee and Emeritus Director Andrew Jones, was a huge success. Their meticulous work in organizing the four-day festival held Oct 12 through 15 in one of the most beautiful and visited cities in the United States was greatly appreciated. Attending members of the Society resided at the historic Willard InterContinental Hotel. The hotel's impeccable service, breakfasts and dinners held up to its five-star rating.
Attendees enjoyed outstanding cuisine at some of the finest restaurants in the city. The first dinner was held in the Hotel Willard Room. The next two evenings stupendous dining was experienced at the restaurant Marcel's and the restaurant L'Ardente. Then on the final evening there was an exquisite Black Tie Dinner in the Crystal Room at the Willard. Moreover, attendees were served some of the most superb wines in the world which were paired perfectly with the cuisine.
Saturday morning members attended an elevated Verité wine tasting. The three distinctive wines of Verite: La Muse - Merlot-based, La Joie - Cabernet Sauvignon based, and Le Desir which is primarily Cabernet Franc, were immensely enjoyed. These are some of the highest scoring wines in the world by professional wine critics.
One morning attendees visited the Hillwood Estate, Museum and Garden which was the former residence of Marjorie Merriweather Post. Another morning members visited Glenstone Museum, the largest private contemporary art museum in the United States, noted for its setting on 230-acres of natural landscape. There were numerous excursions showcasing Washington D.C.