I’m in Cape Town. I’ve come to judge the Top 100 South African wines competition, which is now in its sixth year. This year, for the first time, we’re not…
In the Tejo region of Portugal
I’ve spent the day in the Tejo region of Portugal. I left my hotel at 0745 and arrived back past 11 pm. During that time I visited six producers, had…
Bordeaux: some reflections
I’ve just spent a very enjoyable couple of days in Bordeaux. The first was a free afternoon (I walked and walked), followed by dinner; the second a big tasting of…
Visiting Château Marquis d’Alesme, Margaux, for the opening of a grand winery
Last night I was one of a group who visited Château Marquis d’Alesme on the occasion of the opening of their new winery in Margaux. The estate, which has 15…
In California, day 4 – Napa Valley with Peter Michael, Corison, Trinchero, Silverado and Chimney Rock
Day four of the California trip. By now, the group was certainly performing, and this was to be one of our strongest days in terms of banter and general foolery….
In California day 3, Sonoma with Iron Horse, Wind Gap and Arnot Roberts
Day 3, Sonoma County. This is one of the most important and diverse of California’s wine regions. We headed over to David Ramey’s cellar in Healdsburg for a regional overview…
In California, day 2 – Paso Robles, and an amazing visit at Tablas Creek
Day 2. On the bus nice and early, and a drive up the coast to Paso Robles, a large wine region that’s half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco,…
California, day 1, in Santa Barbara County
I’m in California again. This time for a press trip, with some fellow UK journos: Oz Clarke, Anne Krebhiel, Jane Parkinson and Erin Smith. We arrived on Tuesday evening, and…
In Porto for Simplesmente Vinho 2016
I’m in the lovely city of Porto, northern Portugal, for Simplesmente Vinho 2016. Held over this weekend at the Convento Monchique, an impressive run down Manueline building that is in…