The Spectator Clays, Claret, Cognac and Cigars Cruise | Saturday 19 September 2026

The Spectator, in association with Private Cellar, invites you to join drinks editor Jonathan Ray, winemaker Jean-Michel Garcion and sales director Anthony Crameri, from De Mour Estates in Bordeaux, for an unforgettable day on the Thames. Aboard the 100-year-old Thames Sailing Barge Will, you’ll enjoy shooting clays, drinking fizz, claret, XO Cognac and Kummel, and smoking cigars while saluting Tower Bridge as it lifts especially for us to pass under.

Departure 9.45 a.m. from North Greenwich Pier; finish 4.30 p.m. Tower Pier. 

Bacon roll and tea/coffee on arrival • Clay pigeon shoot with prizes • Three-course, silver-service lunch • Limited-edition tote bag • Postprandial Nicaraguan cigar • Special lifting of Tower Bridge.  

An exceptional day requires exceptional refreshment and the following wines and spirits will be served, the clarets presented in person by their winemaker, Jean-Michel Garcion: Langlois Crémant de Loire, 2021 Quinta de Pedra Milagres Alvarinho, double magnums of 2016 Ch. Tayet (Bordeaux Supérieur) and 2016 Ch. Tour Baladoz (Grand Cru St. Emilion) and a jeroboam of 2016 Ch. Haut Breton Larigaudière (Margaux) • Mentzendorff Kummel (in magnum) • Delamain Pale & Dry XO Cognac (in double magnum) 

Feedback from May cruise: 

This my first Spectator event was a great fun triumph. I’m also very much enjoying the new subscription. Please pass on my thanks to all. The day was brilliantly well organised. SG

It was good to meet you on Friday and I wanted to thank you and your team for organising such an amazing day on the Thames for us. The food, the wine, the cigars and the shooting were all exceptional as well as the company. Being on board a historic Thames sail boat with such excellent facilities was really memorable as was the highlight of the day when The Tower Bridge raised it’s arms for us to pass elegantly beneathThanks again and I hope to enjoy more of such events in the future.PM

Spectator Farther Thames Spectacular: Thanks a million for every brilliant minute of our many adventured and delightful luxuried Spectator journey along old Father Thames, timeless memorable companions, everything inspiring enjoyment. SC

That was a great day - one for the history books. First ever blunderbuss shootout - brilliant wines and food with excellent intros from Johnny Ray and the charming Edouard Moueix (who also shot like a god), really relaxed and interesting company, and dead exciting boat trip and Tower Bridge rising in tribute. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting you and your organization was just amazing. LJM