9 years ago

Talking Wine – December 2015

Great news. Jayne Powell, alias “Champagne Jane,” has won the right to keep her brand following a court battle with the Champagne authorities (CIVC). Jayne, who is Australian, was taken to court for infringing the Champagne name as she not only promoted Champagne but also sparkling wine which apparently damaged the goodwill of the Champagne sector. Jayne has been using the name since 2003 running champagne talks, tastings and masterclasses. Incensed by the CIVC’s reaction, supporters launched a Jayne v Goliath fund as the legal fees escalated and Jayne was in danger of losing her house and declaring bankruptcy in the face of the bullying behaviour. The presiding Judge did accept that at times Jayne could appear misleading whilst promoting sparkling wine under the “Champagne Jayne ” brand but felt that the CIVC had not done enough to compel the closure of Jayne’s business. Ironically she was made a Dame Chevalier of the order of Champagne in 2012 and has written a book entitled “Great, Grand and Famous Champagnes.” A wonderful and just result and a famous victory for “David!”

President Putin was soaked with Champagne by Louis Hamilton following his recent grand prix victory in Russia – normally this heinous crime would result in a prolonged spell in Siberia but by all accounts the little man maintained a semblance of dignity. No doubt a new suit was produced within minutes and a bottle arrived that he might actually want to drink rather than shower in!! Meanwhile Mr Hamilton has increased his home security as a precaution.

Ted Sandbach

Ted studied History and Physical Education at Loughborough University before teaching at Magdalen College School in Oxford for 7 years. He gave up teaching to follow his passion for wine and cut his teeth at Stevens Garnier in Wine retail. During this time he travelled extensively and took his wine exams including the Diploma – which he will admit is much harder these days! Frustration and ambition prompted him to start The Oxford Hamper Company in 1985 which by 1992 had metamorphosed into The Oxford Wine Company.