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‘Tasting Victory – The Life and Wines of the World’s Favourite Sommelier’ by Gerard Basset Published by Academie du Vin Library, 2026 Sadly, I never met Gerard Basset. I read a lot about him, used to stay (eat and drink) in his Hotel du Vin and followed him as he won all the top international sommelier contests. He was a UK wine tasting superstar, (all be it that he was French), as you can see from the tributes written in his book by Jancis Robinson, Raymond Blanc and more.

I thought it would not be too immodest to publish this review from The World of Fine Wine, which is in my opinion the wine publication which carries the most serious writers and articles. They very kindly reviewed my book, all profits from which go to charity, to Vendanges Solidaires. I very much hope this will encourage people to buy it and raise some funds for such a good cause. Many thanks to Raymond Blake for the very kind and thoughtful review and to the editor Neil Beck

Looking across Brunello vineyards and the Val d'Orcia towards Monte Amiata These days top Italian wines are famous, expensive and sought after, especially Barolo and Brunello, but even recently it was not always thus. A century and a half ago they were mainly white and unknown, and this century opened with the so-called ‘Barolo Wars’ and ‘Brunellogate’. We forget how new all this renown, quality and wealth really is. If the road was rocky, much of the demand, and in my opinio

Walking under the Nebbiolo vines of Carema, Alto Piemonte Pilgrims used to walk this route centuries ago, with a stick and sack over their shoulder and I guess the simplest of leather sandals. Now I follow the nice new road signs with an ap on my i-phone, state of the art hiking boots and breathable clothes. The scenery is the same but I guess the Francigena from Canterbury Cathedral to St Peter’s in Rome has changed a bit. If you enjoy walking in glorious countryside plus al