October saw the New Wave South Africa tasting in London. It was a brilliant event with lots of energy, and some great folk in attendance.
Eben Sadie looked smarter than usual when he presented a vertical tasting of his wines!
Also in October, I spent a week in Japan. It was a chance to give a lecture, host some tastings, learn more about sake, and to explore the Japanese wine scene. And, of course, eat some amazing food. I loved it.
After Japan, I hopped over to New Zealand for a quick west coast holiday with Nat. It’s a beautiful place, and it was the first time I’d been there. We had a day of rain, but also a bit of sun.
Then it was straight off to Montreal, where I was talking in a conference, followed by a few days exploring the vibrant food and drink scene in this lovely city. Above: Dave McMillan and Vanya Filipovic of Joes Beef/Vin Papillon/Liverpool House.
Pedro Parra talking at the Tasting Climate Change conference.
Then it was off to Prince Edward County to take in a few days of harvest with Norman Hardie
Also in November, a trip to Plaimont Producteurs in southwest France. Above: they are digging up some archaeological remains in front of the cathedral at Auch.
Plaimont are doing some great things, and one of the thrills was tasting a wine made from a pre-phylloxera vineyard in Saint-Mont that they’d identified and restored.
November is also Tranche 1 of the International Wine Challenge. A fun week of judging with good colleagues.
Then straight after, Nat and I headed to the Jura and Burgundy for a quick bus-person’s holiday. We visited Ganevat!
And we drank Ganevat in Lyon on my birthday!
In Burgundy we did some visits, including Tonellerie Mercurey to see barrels being made.
The new red wine cellar at Faiveley is quite stunning!
Then back in London for a birthday bash at Winemakers Club, with some great folk.
Then it was off to New Zealand for 68 days! My first hot Christmas. It’s where I am now, and there’s much more to come about this. It has been quite a year, and it has been good to pause to catch some breath.
Here’s my review of 2017 – Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4
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