So I arrived in Cape Town this morning, picked up a tiny, under-powered rental car, and headed out to Riebeek Kasteel, in the Swartland. Tomorrow, the Revolution begins. I got…
‘Wines from here will become world famous’
The title of this blog post – ‘wines from here will be come world famous’ – were the prophetic words uttered by Montana’s Frank Yukich as he put the first…
Meeting the Prime Minister at the opening of the Brancott Estate Heritage Centre
Last night was fun. It was the official opening of the new Brancott Estate Heritage Centre, which has recently been completed. The centre has been built on a small hill…
More Rugby and some very nice Gosset
A big day yesterday. It began with a stroll down to the waterfront for some beers with Nick Stock and Iain Riggs (of Brokenwood in Australia’s Hunter Valley), but this…
Some affordable Kiwi wines with friends
I’m just waking up after my first sleep in New Zealand. After arriving at 7 am yesterday from London, I’m very proud that I managed to stay up until midnight,…
Last day in Russia
I’m now back from my first visit to Russia, which was a great experience and will be written up in full, in my usual anorak-like fashion. The last morning was…
A great ‘modern Russian’ lunch in Novorossiysk
Had a little bit of time to look round the port city of Novorossiysk yesterday. Its seafront has been redeveloped very attractively, and there’s a huge old battleship moored in…
Another interesting day in Russia
I spent today in the Fanagoria winery in Russia. It’s a big operation, making a range of wines from 2500 hectares of vines. That’s big by any standards, but this…
I’m in a vineyard in Russia – a first for me
So, after an 0335 alarm call, two flights and a car journey, I’m in a vineyard region in Russia. I’ve never been to Russia before. Over the next few days…