Sommelier’s Choice Presents: From Orkney’s Ancient Tombs to Japan’s Mount Osore in Art and Spirit
Sommelier’s Choice and White Conduit Projects
Sommelier’s Choice was delighted to support Fay Ballard’s exhibition “Where Have They Gone?” at White Conduit Projects, an intimate Islington gallery known for its thoughtful, curator‑led programme by our friend Yuki Miyake. The sponsorship was intended as a simple way to back independent voices and craftsmanship, allowing guests to discover characterful wines alongside museum‑quality contemporary art in a relaxed setting.
White Conduit Projects and Fay Ballard
In “Where Have They Gone?”, Fay Ballard’s exploration of memory, absence and family history through finely observed drawing echoed the reflective, layered qualities that Sommelier’s Choice tends to value in the wines it represents.
Fay’s journeys to Orkney and Mount Osore explore ancient and spiritual connections between life and death. In Orkney, she visited Neolithic burial chambers where offerings sustained the dead, reflecting a belief that ancestors aided the living. At Mount Osore in Japan, amid volcanic landscapes symbolizing Hell and Paradise, mourners leave offerings for souls—especially children—bridging grief, memory, and the afterlife in a setting that informs her sumi ink and gesso artworks.
A Sparkling Christmas Alternative
Since its beginnings in 1999, Sommelier’s Choice has quietly focused on small, quality‑driven producers and long‑term relationships with growers who care about their land. For this exhibition, the team poured Cava from Can Suriol, a historic family estate at Castell de Grabuac, whose traditional methods and deep respect for terroir offered a genuine sense of place and heritage in every glass.
The collaboration provided a natural opportunity to introduce Can Suriol Cava as a sparkling choice for Christmas and winter gatherings, from an easy, conversational aperitif to a graceful partner at the table. Guests who enjoyed the Cava at the exhibition were gently encouraged to continue that experience at home, choosing it for festive dinners, thoughtful gifts and New Year toasts, and perhaps setting aside a few bottles for the cellar.
Running until the 31st December, you too can enjoy the gift of Can Suriol at an unbeatable price with a festive discount only for new and existing subscribers alike. New subscribers will receive a unique 15% discount within their inboxes immediately after confirmation, existing subscribers can redeem their Sommelier’s Circle exclusive 20% off code that we have sent directly to your inbox. From everyone at Sommelier’s Choice, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!
Tim and Team
