Day 1 – Wholesale Day with Neals Yard at Spa Terminus in London’s Bermondsey

Neal’s Yard Dairy really know how to put on a show.  Much catching up was done with friends in the trade – Mons Cheesemongers, Pump Street Bakery, Dynamic Vines and England Preserves among many others.

Watch out for lots of goodies arriving in the deli soon.

Day 2 – Wine Tasting at Mainstreet with Passione Vino

Bill, Isobel and Susanna shared a delicious wine tasting session in the deli with Greg from Passione Vino.

Highlights included small family-owned vineyards – La Nogara Bardolino (next door to Valpolicella) from Casaretti and Grillo from Piano Grillo.

Bill’s Tasting Notes…

The Grillo has tones of baked quince with a backbone of salt and honeysuckle – try it with fresh fish or some summery soft cheese.  The Bardolino is a light red, packed with ripe strawberries and tart cherries, organic, perfect for the season.

This is a new Italian wine supplier we’re really excited to work with – our first delivery has just arrived in the deli!

Day 3 – London Wine Fair

Bill caught up with Dan at Wickham’s Wines and re-tasted the gorgeous Aldo Rinaldi Grumello Valtellina Superior – Nebbiolo grapes at their best.  Then onto the newly rebranded Sandridge Barton stand where their Classic Cuvee Sparkling 2021 and the still Pinot Blanc were showing really well.

In between visiting other stands, he attempted to taste all the Wine Merchants Top 100 wines sold in independent wine shops. Success!

The highlight of the show was a Masterclass by Jamie Goode – The Soul of the Vine, a journey through Portugal’s indigenous varieties. It might be hard to track down these particular goodies as Wines of Portugal are yet to have a supplier in the UK.

Bill is now wondering if a quick trip to Portugal might be in order…