Halfway through a very busy week

Can’t stop long, halfway through a very busy week. Five events planned, 2 down, 3 to go – this must be Wednesday!

Yesterday, we were delighted to be visited by Jane Hunter CNZM OBE. She gave staff a wonderful tasting in the afternoon and then swept on with me to Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons for a seven-course virtuoso performance dinner for 40 rapt Laithwaites customers – and all of this on half a voice. I was primed and ready to step in at any moment! Luckily, Jane’s voice just held out and a seriously fun time was had by all. Wine of the night, for me, was the (Turkish) delightful, scented Hunter's Gewurztraminer 2009

Meanwhile, 60 miles away in Petersfield, the rest of the team were entertaining 62 more customers at a walk-around tasting in the Festival Hall. Star attraction was the ‘proper’, dry red Lambrusco of Angelo Cerciello from Casali Viticoltori with a huge chunk of Parmiggiano – forget the pale imitations, this is the real stuff!

Next up is Will’s event in Derby, a 120-person sell out, at the County Ground – new venue to us, looks like becoming a regular fixture.

The week finishes with Jo and I amongst the dreaming spires of Oxford with 100+ Club Members in the Town Hall. Three special guests this time: Sam Lockyer of Stonewall Wines, Esther Pascual of El Bombero fame and one Will Laithwaite, with his brand new brew, Loose Cannon Abingdon Bridge

Just time to cast a glance both forward and backward before a fortifying cup of Earl Grey and then back to the prep – we celebrated my 20 years of Laithwaites service with a little lunch at Hotel TerraVina in the New Forest a few days ago – I think we all agreed it couldn’t have been more perfect. Thanks Gerard & Nina Basset and team!

You can see what I mean by joining me for dinner there in March next year or go under your own steam with the very special offer for Laithwaites customers that runs until the end of November.

Hope you can join me!

Ian