Lulie Halstead of Wine Intelligence gave an interesting talk on Millennials, and whether or not we make too much of them in marketing discussions. ‘It’s a topic we often get…
Felicity Carter on the importance of wine tourism, at MUST
Continuing with the MUST fermenting ideas summit, I was impressed by Felicity Carter’s talk on the importance of wine tourism. ‘Journalists love catastrophes of all kinds,’ began Felicity, before outlining…
Binary thinking and bubble creation
It’s getting worse, I reckon. The world is being polarised. It upsets me when otherwise smart friends fall into the trap of seeing the world in binary terms. Good versus…
63 Pall Mall: the exciting new wine shop from Berry Bros & Rudd
On Friday I went to the press tasting of high-end London retailer Berry Bros & Rudd, and it proved to be a great chance to check out their new retail…
On the need for recognition and approval
I remember that as a child I loved creating things. I spent hours drawing: pencils, felt-tip pens, and even drawing ink. I also loved sculpting things out of plasticine (famously…
More thoughts on flying, and laptop bans
Just back from California, my first trip in a few weeks. Back into the swing of long haul flying. I enjoy being on a plane, most of the time. It’s…
Self versus non-self: on wine becoming part of us
One of the questions that has interested brain scientists and philosophers alike is that of self versus non-self. How do we distinguish what is part of us, versus what is…
Discussing sweet wines, with notes on 18 interesting bottles
Sweet wines aren’t all that fashionable, but they are delicious. The best sweet wines are among the most complex and concentrated expressions of the vine possible, and in past times…
Half way in the International Wine Challenge
Week one of this second tranche of the 2017 International Wine Challenge is over. Except for the crew, that is: they have to stay the weekend doing the immense job…