It’s not every day you finish up your work and head down to your local vineyard for drinks and conversation with the one and only Sir Bob Geldof. It’s also not every day a business tests a new event format with such a high-profile guest - but we don’t do anything by halves here at Chilworth Manor Vineyard!
Despite an ominous sky threatening a downpour any moment, the evening started outdoors with an opportunity for guests to mingle and enjoy free-flowing Chilworth wines and delicious canapés.



Fire pits, burning torches and the first hints of autumn in the vines provided a serene backdrop to this portion of the evening but there was a tangible sense of anticipation while we awaited the appearance of Bob. It transpired that his slightly late arrival was more to do with wanting to snap a few photos of the vineyard rather than any rock star tendencies!


Guests were seated in the watch house and the evening began in earnest. Bob, prompted by questions from Graham, was incredibly generous with his time filling the evening with candid anecdotes and uncanny celebrity impressions from various key moments in his life.
Further encouraged by Graham, Bob regaled the audience with tales of challenging authority at the catholic school of his childhood, and how refusing to accept the status quo, coupled with an innate sense of right and wrong paved the way for his later activism.
From first pulling together a group of living legends for the Christmas Band Aid single, to achieving the previously thought impossible Live Aid, the evening continued with stories that might have been impossible to believe if not for having recently watched the BBC documentary!
Of course, given the setting, Graham had to ask about wine. The conversation turned to Bob’s investment in Ethiopian Winey, Awash Wines, adjusting to some slightly unusual local tastes along the way!
At the core of this part of the conversation was a sense that, no matter who you are, a glass of wine with the right people in a special place is really something to savour and celebrate.



Given Bob’s passion for fighting famine in Ethiopia, it was fitting that a portion of wine sales from the night was donated to the charity Mary’s Meals who operate there.
Mutual support of this charity was one of the areas that first brought Graham and Bob together so it was a lovely way to bring this full circle. Those who purchased a bottle were also entered into a draw to win an iconic Live Aid photo, signed by the man himself!
With that, there was just time for one more glass and a nibble before heading home. Certainly an unforgettable evening and an incredible start to the Words & Wine series! Thank you to all of you who came and helped make it so special. If you missed out then do make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter to find out who will be our next guest!
Finally, special thanks to Hester Barnes for capturing the magic of the night so beautifully with her photography




















