Invivo and Graham Norton host major London wine event

Key wine industry names joined New Zealand winery Invivo and collaborator Graham Norton for ‘The Great British Pub Quiz’ in London in early November.

The event was in aid of industry charity The Drinks Trust, which supports hospo workers, and brought together renowned wine critics like Jancis Robinson OBE MW (who was a guest host) and wine buyers.

The quiz was hosted at The White Horse pub in London’s Parson’s Green and Invivo says that guests included buyers that collectively purchase over NZD$9.46 billion of wine for the UK’s major supermarkets including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Ocado, Majestic and Waitrose. Oz Clarke OBE and New Zealand Acting High Commissioner Shannon Austin were also in attendance.

Invivo’s Tim Lightbourne with Graham Norton, Jancis Robinson OBE (MW) and Invivo co-founder Rob Cameron.

New Zealand exported NZD$434 million of wine to the UK in 2021, and with the free trade agreement signed earlier this year and a larger 2022 harvest, this figure is expected to grow significantly.

Invivo has partnered with Graham Norton for nine years to create an award-winning wine brand, with 10 wines and spirits distributed in 10 countries globally.

“It’s humbling to see the warm reception my wines have received, since we launched our first vintage nine years ago,” said Norton. “I don’t just put my name to the wines, I’m involved, and I love being part of the process with New Zealand winery Invivo. Hosting a UK-based event for the Graham Norton wine and spirits range for the first time has been one of the highlights of my year. It’s been an absolute pleasure hosting alongside Jancis Robinson and meeting the UK’s wine trade, all the while supporting The Drinks Trust and their fantastic cause.”