It has been a busy time in the cellars over the last few weeks despite my lack of updates. The reason is that the work has been mainly putting together orders of wine to be sent around the world. This is partly due to orders building up over the vendange period but also, no doubt, to merchants wanting stocks ahead of the Christmas and New Year period.

Orders have gone to Germany, Sweden, UK, various regions of France and these pictures show bottles being prepared for export to New York importer Camille Riviere who has an excellent range of French producers on his list. No doubt I have omitted other markets too.

This is not glamorous but it is essential work. Meanwhile Jeff’s phone keeps ringing with requests for wine which are becoming more difficult to meet as stocks are running dry, some cuvées are already sold out. Other visitors arrive at the cave to taste and to buy a case or two and to be entertained by Icare’s antics.

Meanwhile Jeff still goes into the vineyards every day to check what is happening there and to ensure that all is well. The real work there will begin in January with pruning of the wood (taillage) which will last until March and I shall report then. But if you think Jeff is having an easy time, please think again. Long, long days of vineyard, cellar and admin work as well as sorting orders, dealing with everyday problems. So spare a thought for your winemaker, s/he works hard with their vocation.

Meanwhile I have been visiting a number of other winemakers and a wine fair and I shall report back soon. Thanks for reading.