All these years I thought I was being adventurous ... turns out someone got there before me!

I've just been sent a handwritten letter dated from the 1860s by a kind customer (I have no other sort!) who was clearing out his attic. The letter sings the praises of Peruvian Madeira ... yes, you read correctly, Peruvian Madeira!

And all these years I thought I was being original and adventurous ... I completely missed the Peruvian Madeira! Perhaps I should re-think my wine horizons still further!

Click here to read the original letter

Still, these days, thankfully, Madeira's 19th century troubles are well behind her. They found a solution to Oidium (a powdery mildew that attacks grapes in damp climates) and, indeed, Phylloxera which clobbered them a few years later.

I can't promise you that I'll find any of this Peruvian Madeira in the coming year, but I can promise that Laithwaites will continue to scour the wine world for new and exciting wines from delicious everyday-drinking gems to those ultra-rare treats.

Grateful thanks to all our customers and a Happy New Year to you all.