Circle of Wine Writers 2011 Christmas Party courtesy of Virginia Wine

The Old Hall, The Hon. Society of Lincoln's Inn, London

The Circle of Wine Writers 2011 Christmas party was held in the magnificent setting of the Old Hall in the heart of Lincoln's Inn. Our generous hosts this year were The Virginia Wine Board and Virginia Tourism and a selection of wines from The Commonwealth of Virginia were served. The Circle was officially welcomed by Todd Haymore, Virginia's Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry.

The Circle of Wine Writers was founded back in 1960 by the late Cyril Ray and 'this blogger' has been a member of the Circle since 1990. Over the years the Circle has been lucky to hold our Christmas party in a number of splendid venues including the National Gallery with the opportunity to see the Velázquez, The House of Lords and several imposing embassies but surely nothing as old and as historic as The Old Hall.

Todd Haymore: Virginia's Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry

Todd Haymore addressing the Circle and guests

Steven Spurrier: chairman of the Circle

Luca Paschina, Daphne and Michael Broadbent

Barley Blyton (2011 Young Wine Writer of the Year) and Yvonne May (Wine Australia)

Emma Wellings (Emma Wellings PR)

The twins: Michael (Chile) and David (New Zealand)

Giles Fallowfield: one of the UK's leading writers on Champagne

Michael Edwards: another of the UK's leading Champagne writers

Claudia Brown (Wines of South Africa) winner of one of the prize hampers

The Drinks Business has an interview with Todd Haymore here.

Second tranche of photos to come