I feel privileged to be part of the wine trade. You meet so many great people. This picture captures one of the reasons I love my job.

It was taken at an informal dinner I was invited to in Wellington, New Zealand, during the Pinot Noir conference in February 2010. So many totally cool, creative people were present.

We enjoyed some great wines, many of which were made by people present. I remember some superb Pinot Noirs from Ted Lemon of Littorai; some lovely wines from Mike and Claudia Weersing of Pyramid Valley; Jo and Nick Mills’ 1990 Rippon Pinot Noir; Duncan Forsyth’s Mount Edward Pinots; and many others.

But the highlight of the evening was watching the masterful Nick Stock on the hamovarius, accompanying Max Allen on the mandolin. Jo Mills is watching appreciatively. I’ll probably get into trouble for publishing this picture. Oh well! Fond memories.

Fine wine isn’t about the rather depressing trading-room scenario of en primeur classed growth Claret. It’s about talented people making great wine from great terroirs. There are lots if them, these days, all around the world. I just want them to get the credit they deserve.