The Vintners' Company

General information

Although the social and economic traditions that gave birth to the Vintners' Company have long since been overtaken by the development of industry and commerce, the Company continues to flourish. The Company has succeeded in forging a new and valuable role for itself as an integral part of the wine trade in twenty-first century Britain, while at the same time proudly upholding the traditions that made it great in medieval London. The twentieth century was marked by a steady progress towards the Company's renewed interest in and support for its trade, culminating in the granting of a new Charter on the 20th August, 1973.

This Charter authorised the Company to set up the Wine Standards Board to which the Government had delegated certain responsibilities for enforcing the E.U. Wine Laws.

The Wine Standards Board transferred to the Food Standards Agency in 2006 and the Company's association with it ceased. In 2006 the Company began an association with the Wine and Spirit Trade Association.

Naturally, the Company's interest in its trade does not end there. Having been instrumental in setting up both the Wine and Spirit Education Trust, and the Institute of Masters of Wine, the Company devotes a proportion of its resources to furthering wine education.

In 2007, the Company provided funds for the "Vintners' Room" as part of the Wine Studies Centre at Plumpton College in East Sussex, which now has its own Wine Studies Degree.

In addition, it supports Christ's Hospital School, and two Schools in Stepney, where it provides Arts Bursaries and a University Scholarship.

Over and above these educational projects, the Company also plays its part in donating sizeable sums to a wide range of London based charities, especially those concerned with drug and alcohol abuse.

Tradition however, is not forgotten, and Swans play a part in Company life, not only when they are marked during the Swan Upping week in July, but also in the support of the two Swan Sanctuaries on the Thames.

Vintners' Hall also plays host not only to the Company's social occasions, but also to a number of charitable fund-raising events, other Livery Company dinners and commercial lettings.