As predicted, I didn't win last night, but at the Andre Simon awards everyone is a winner, in that all shortlisted authors come away with a cheque. Mine was for £200, which I was very pleased about.

It was a good event, held on the top floor of New Zealand house, with stunning views across the London skyline (pictured). I got a chance to meet Hugh (the winner) for the first time, who, as well as being a wine writing legend, is a thoroughly nice chap. I also met the new publisher at Mitchell Beazley (an important person for writers like me) and John Livingstone-Learmonth, king of the Rhone.

The wine awards were presented by Andrew Jefford (another of my heroes), who gave each shortlisted book a thorough and thoughtful review. He's pictured here describing Wine Science, which he said some very nice things about. As an awards ceremony, the Andre Simon rocks. I cam away feeling like a winner, which I was, sort of.