Core values

As I prepared this year's report and reflected on the past twelve months, I made a notable observation. Over the years, the mission statement and core values of Barberry Garden have steadfastly remained unchanged. Hence, I believe it's beneficial to explicitly outline these values. At the very least, to explain our current position.

Barberry Garden's mission is 'to share wines with people.' This succinct statement encapsulates the core values that drive me. Let me delve deeper into these:

• Accessibility: Wine, fundamentally a food product, should not be seen as a luxury. I strive to make wine approachable and affordable for a diverse audience, irrespective of their wine knowledge or experience. Dislike bubbles in your wine? No issue, we'll navigate that together.

• Education: My aim is to foster knowledge and comprehension of wine, enabling individuals to understand their preferences and refine their palates.

• Community: Cultivating a sense of community stands as a key value. It's about creating bonds and fostering connections among wine enthusiasts, whether seasoned connoisseurs or novices. Building shared stories is pivotal in nurturing any community. It's crucial not only to create these narratives but to preserve and share them as cultural artefacts. These stories are our mythos; they validate our existence and underscore our uniqueness, shaping the culture. This is the impetus behind my event reports, yearly summaries, and regular updates in Telegram. My goal is to foster a transparent and welcoming community, united by our shared passion for wine.

• Independence: My independence from importers and commercial agendas ensures unbiased guidance. I prioritize trust by focusing solely on sharing what I truly believe is worth experiencing, without letting profitability constrain my choices.

• Quality: It's banal, but the commitment to excellence is central to this project. Upholding quality also inevitably means limiting the quantity of events.

It might seem counterintuitive, but Barberry Garden isn't primarily about cultivating wine culture - at least, not directly. I find the focus on 'culture' to be misleading. Indeed, it sounds sophisticated and romantic, but often, it masks different objectives. In my view, culture is a natural byproduct, which emerges organically as I engage in my favourite activity: sharing things I am passionate about with others.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who is a part of this vibrant community. Witnessing our collective growth, the deepening of our knowledge, and the refinement of our tastes is profoundly gratifying. This journey, marked by shared discoveries and evolving palates, fuels my passion and pride. Your continued support is not just appreciated; it is the very inspiration that drives Barberry Garden forward. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey!