Vintage Years

The Vintner's Company received its Charter of Incorporation from Henry VI in 1437, though its trade origins pre-date this incorporation by a few centuries. By 1515 its position was fixed as 11th of the Great Twelve Livery Companies, and it is fortunate that its association with its trade and remained unaltered for more than 100 years. Andrew Robinson's new book not only encapsulates the Company's early history but also focuses attention on its course though the 20th and early 21st centuries. He charts the Company through two World Wars, links with the Royal Family, visits to vineyards overseas, Swan Upping, the difficult years of the 1930's, Masters of Wine, feasts and fiestas, wine trade responsibility and charitable giving, property renewal and the Megascheme, tradition and evolution. All this he does with a light and amusing touch, highlighting important and memorable events, yet with a keen eye for detail that might have been unobserved. The result is an attractive, readable and enjoyable book that leads the reader through the highs and lows of the Company in an interesting and informative way. With many and excellent illustrations, this is an important commentary on one of the City of London's major institutions.