The judging team from the National Wine Awards of Canada were hosted at Nova Scotian winery Benjamin Bridge last night. It was the best of maritime hospitality. Owner Gerry McConnell has sourced enormous quantities of the best lobster I’d ever tasted, which we devoured greedily, washed down with the fabulous Benjamin Bridge sparkling wines.

There was also some music, and even some dancing. A tight band played some local tunes, and at one point a bunch of the judges got up and sang Barrett’s Privateer. Add in failed sabrage (with a glass), and you get a feel for this memorable evening.

And here’s a film of the proceedings: