For anyone with a passing interest in collecting fine wine, walking around its immaculate aisles is like being handed the keys to Willy Wonka's chocolate factory.

WSJ: Will Lyons on Wine: London's New Temple to Fine Wine

Perhaps that is why the sponsors choose Thursday to host their media lunch, so that anyone who takes advantage of too much free wine can sleep it off later without missing much action.

BBC: Crucible diary Day 13

"If anyone orders Merlot I'm leaving, " says Miles Raymond, the dejected wine buff in the recent hit movie Sideways.

BBC: 10 THINGS WE DIDN'T KNOW THIS TIME LAST WEEK

In person, networking can be a stiff affair, peppered by the first awkward ten minutes in a full room of people where the coat has been checked in, the name tag is on, and making the first move to introduce yourself to virtually anyone new can be extremely nerve-wracking, even with a complimentary glass of wine to help curb the butterflies.

FORBES: 7 Everyday Places To Start Networking Face-To-Face At