Champagne Taittinger are supplying the entire wine list free for the showbiz bash of the year – the Beckhams' Charity World Cup Party.
This Sunday, 400 celebrities with the England squad at their centre will pack into a specially-built Japanese garden in the grounds of the Hertfordshire mansion – dubbed Beckingham Palace – which is the home of gifted England striker David Beckham and his wife Victoria, ex-Spice Girl and all-round A-list celebrity (both pictured). The next day, the squad flies to Dubai to begin the build-up to the World Cup.
The party is in aid of children’s charity the NSPCC – and Taittinger are delighted to be part of the cause and to have such celebs as Elton John and Graham Norton, and members of the 1966 England team, drinking their wines.
Spokeswoman Lyn Murray told decanter.com, ‘It’s one of the biggest things we’ve done in the last few years. It’s certainly going to be the biggest social event of the year. We’re very happy to be associated with it and to get exposure to that market.’
Guests will be served Taittinger Brut Reserve NV, followed by Villa Maria Private Bin Riesling 2001, Louis Jadot Bourgogne Chardonnay 1999, Errazuriz Syrah 2000, and Warre’s Vintage Port.
‘The whole event – and the menu – has an oriental theme, which is why we’re starting with the Riesling,’ Murray said.
Sixty thousand orchids have been imported, and many tons of sushi will be consumed. It’s not known how much the party is costing, but it should make £500,000 for the charity. Amongst the guests will be corporate clients who have paid £3,000 for tables.
Taittinger has also donated a magnum of its special cuvee Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 1995, which will be signed by the squad, and auctioned off.
Written by Adam Lechmere10 May 2002
