Close Encounters of the Vinous Kind

22-Nov-08 - To the Landmark in London for the DECANTER Fine Wine Encounter, to sign some books and taste some wine. The Saturday had sold out weeks before and Sunday, so they told me, sold out on the day. I think the secret of this event's success is that they do keep numbers down to a manageable minimum and, of course, they attract some big hitters as exhibitors and presenting masterclasses. I signed and sold 14 books and met some good old chums: the wine trade is such a clubby thing which is just as well as there's precious little money in it.


Had a tasting with José-Manuel Ortega (left) of O. Fournier who had very generously hosted Jill and me in Chile and Argentina last February (see blog entry for 12-Feb-08). He'd just won several more awards for his wines, which is not a surprise. I've visited all three of his wineries (in three countries) and the winemaking is exemplary. In addition, his beautiful wife Nadia (below) has won an award as executive chef of the in-house restaurant at their bodega in Mendoza (we ate there in February). Unfortunately, he says, he seems to spend most of his time in aeroplanes flying between the wineries and the export markets, rather than with his young family, but a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do...

Pix - O. Fournier website