Hectic

Continues busy. Or hectic. Which is lovely. And thanks, customers, thanks.

I have been on the road doing my old tasting act. The events at Locksbottom and Virginia Water shops were especially memorable. I met Helen who remembers coming to the old Arch in Windsor – she must have been under-age! – and says I seem to be doing the same routine I was, forty years ago. Yep, caught me out, there, Helen. But it works, so I'll not fix it.

Marein beat me again (we each propose and present five wines and customers are the jury). But he's dead jealous I'm off to his beloved South Africa on Sunday.

VW looks lovely after its refurb so do go see (it’s right beside the Main Entrance to Wentworth – where my Dad so loved to play … his cronies gave me my first ever orders!) Talking of refurbs …

In case anyone is planning a trip south to Bordeaux or just happens to live there, here's a message from our 'Chai au Quai' in dear old Castillon-la-Bataille:

"Please come and fill your stockings, boots, fridges and cellars with Le Chai wines in time for the season’s festivities.

The beautiful Chai au Quai will open its doors and its wine boxes from 9am to 6pm Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th December.

For those of you who have not yet visited us since the refurbishment was completed a year ago, PLEASE DO. It is a truly magnificent building on the banks of the Dordogne in Castillon-la-Bataille. We are offering a 10% discount on our vast range of over 80 different wines from the Chai-born range as well as a selection of Laithwaites UK Customer Favourites from around the world.

And if that wasn’t enough to tempt you, we will be introducing the moreish, elegant, subtle, bespoke and devastatingly delicious Chai-colat chocolates made with the Chai’s Maury AOC by master Bordeaux Chocolatier M. Laroze.

I do hope to see you and do please tell your friends and family.

Bonnes Fêtes

Clare, Mark, Libby, Fraser, Brigitte and all at Le Chai."

There's masses more to tell. When I remember. And when there's a moment. Why do phones always ring all at once? It is just so hectic.