Tasting in the vineyard at Theale HQ

As we began the tasting in our vineyard the Orient Express train steamed slowly out of Theale station. Unreal on a warm sunny evening to drink Theale Sparkling 05 in the tiny, south-sloping, fruit-tree-surrounded vineyard where it grew.

Needless to say all loved it.

An 'outsider'; Madame F Marsanne Sauvignon won the vote easily against Esk Valley Marlborough Sauvignon; one of our regular stars. And in another surprise, The Hodd's Un Vent de Folie 2010 beat the powerful Baileyana Grand Firepeak Chardonnay 2007.

Maybe I put these two successes down to my eloquence but more likely is it that the voters at this event were all customers of our Eddie at Theale Shop who 'grooms' them away from mainstream into liking the little-known and unusual – but wonderful. Eddie – with us since dot, knows the recesses of our vast cellars better than anyone … me included.

I think his Clare Hills Tempranillo 2008 from Oz just about sneaked it from my Pagos de Tahola Rioja 2004 (Tempranillo). The young Aussie allows you to taste the fruit in a way they cannot quite do in Spain. Whilst I suspect Rioja will long remain our most popular wine category, lovers of the region would all enjoy – and grow their understanding a bit by trying – Clare Hills.

Finally my Dolines de l'Hortus 2008 (I am still on a Midi jag after my last trip) got whacked by my son's 'Pax'. Some peace that one! His Wilson Gunn Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre 2007 is a beauty right now. Not just a fond Dad talking; me being on the other side.

Great evening, good food, great company. I love these shop tastings. I get round them all every year. Because I enjoy my work and to squash the persistent rumours that I am just the figment of a marketeers imagination.

It’s the busiest time of year for me, preparing for the Autumn. Shame this always happens, like exams, when the weather is at its best. But I'm never going to get sympathy am I? Not with my job.