Celebrate With Vintage Wine & Spirits Bottled In 1985

• Mikhail Gorbachev Becomes Soviet Leader: 1985 marked a pivotal year in global politics when Mikhail Gorbachev became the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. Gorbachev’s leadership would go on to change the course of history, introducing reforms like glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) which set the stage for the eventual end of the Cold War. For those born in 1985, this year is a reminder of a time when the world began to shift toward greater political openness and dialogue.
• Live Aid Concert for Famine Relief: One of the most iconic events of 1985 was Live Aid, the benefit concert organised by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia. The concert was broadcast to an estimated 1.9 billion people worldwide, featuring legendary performances by artists like Queen, David Bowie, and U2. The event not only raised millions of dollars but also sparked a new era of global awareness and humanitarian action.

• The Release of Back to the Future: 1985 was the year Back to the Future debuted, quickly becoming one of the most beloved films of all time. Directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, the film became a pop culture phenomenon, blending science fiction, humour, and a sense of adventure that resonated with audiences worldwide. For anyone born in 1985, this film is a snapshot of their birth year – an enduring symbol of fun and nostalgia.
• Iconic Music Moments: In 1985, music was ruled by pop icons like Madonna, who released her hit album Like a Virgin, and Whitney Houston, whose song ‘How Will I Know’ became a smash hit. Bruce Springsteen released his album Born in the USA., which became one of the best-selling albums of the year, while Michael Jackson’s influence was ever-growing, dominating the music charts with hits like ‘We Are the World.’ If you’re giving someone a 1985 vintage wine or spirit, it’s also a celebration of the sounds and cultural moments of their youth.

• Chicago Bears Win Super Bowl XX: In sports, the Chicago Bears claimed victory in Super Bowl XX, defeating the New England Patriots 46-10 in one of the most dominant performances in NFL history. This victory added another chapter to the Bears’ rich history, and their defence – known as the ‘Monsters of the Midway’ – became legendary.
• Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics: 1985 was another year of dominance for Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics. Bird’s performances, along with teammates like Kevin McHale and Robert Parish, helped the Celtics continue their strong run in the NBA. Bird would go on to win his third MVP award in 1985, solidifying his place as one of the greatest basketball players in history.
• The 1985 Tour de France: The 1985 Tour de France was another memorable sporting event. Bernard Hinault, the French cycling legend, won his fifth and final Tour, cementing his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats. His victory in 1985 was a milestone for French cycling and a testament to the country’s passion for the sport.

• The Introduction of Windows 1.0: In 1985, Microsoft released the first version of Windows 1.0, forever changing the personal computing landscape. Although primitive by today’s standards, Windows 1.0 laid the foundation for the Microsoft operating systems we use today. For tech enthusiasts or anyone with a deep interest in the evolution of technology, 1985 is a reminder of the birth of what would become the dominant operating system for personal computers.
• The Discovery of the First High-Temperature Superconductor: 1985 was also an important year for scientific progress, as high-temperature superconductivity was discovered. This breakthrough paved the way for future advancements in materials science and electrical engineering, promising huge potential for energy efficiency and technological innovation.

Big Hair And Bold Fashion: The mid-80s are synonymous with big hair, neon colours, and power suits. 1985 was a year of excess in fashion, from Madonna’s lace gloves and corsets to Michael Jackson’s iconic red leather jacket. For anyone born in this year, the fashion of the era is a fun reminder of a time when bold, extravagant styles were at the forefront of popular culture.

• The 1985 Miners' Strike Ends: The UK Miners' Strike of 1984-1985 was one of the most significant industrial actions in British history, and it finally came to an end in March 1985. The strike had a profound impact on the UK’s coal industry and the working-class communities that relied on it. While it was a year of struggle, the resolution of the strike marked the end of one of the most contentious periods in recent British history.
• The Formation of the England Rugby Team's Success: 1985 saw the England rugby union team achieve significant success. The England rugby team had a great year in the Five Nations Championship, which was considered one of the building blocks leading to England's future rugby dominance. Fans of rugby or those born in 1985 may fondly remember this year as one that solidified England’s reputation in the sport.
• The UK’s Economic Landscape: 1985 was a period of economic recovery in the UK after the recessions of the early 1980s. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, the UK was transitioning to a more service-based economy, with industries such as finance, banking, and technology gaining prominence. For those born in 1985, this was the backdrop of the world they were entering.
• The End of the "Great Train Robbery" Mystery: Although the Great Train Robbery happened years earlier in 1963, in 1985, one of the last remaining members of the robbery gang, Roy James, was still on trial. This story continued to capture the imagination of the British public in the 1980s, adding an element of historical intrigue to the year 1985.
• The Launch of the UK’s First Mobile Phone Call: In 1985, the first mobile phone call in the UK was made by Ernest S. Armstrong, the CEO of Cellnet (now O2). The event marked the beginning of the UK’s telecommunications revolution, eventually changing the way people in the UK and across the world communicated.
• The 1985 London Boat Show: The London Boat Show in 1985 was one of the most prominent events in the UK’s maritime industry, showcasing new developments in boat design and technology. It attracted thousands of boating enthusiasts and businesses from around the world, and for those born in 1985, it was a defining event in the UK’s leisure and tourism industry.