Despite the volcanic ash cloud, our latest winemaker’s dinner was a huge success, although the odds were stacked against us... 

Firstly we had a group of 15 guests coming from Belgium who were grounded.  Then due to the no flight situation all of the American east coast lobster hadn’t made it over, so the French and Spanish had bought out all of our British stocks.  The one plus side was that Paul Boutinot, who had recently sent his regrets having been called away to his vineyards in South Africa, was able to host the dinner again.      

At the last minute the ash cloud lifted, the Belgians made it and I managed to get my hands on some delicious Cornish lobster.  Paul Boutinot did jet off to South Africa, but he left us in the delightful hands of his master sommelier Nigel Wilkinson.   

We had a picture of Nigel last time so here’s picture of the Fifth in all it’s glory! 

Champagne Lallier produces 300,000 bottles a year, distributed all around the world, well we had 10 of them at TLCW last night.  And if we could afford it some of us would have loved to buy the remaining 299,990 bottles! From now on I shall only be drinking Grande Cruz Zero Dosage, it will be on every; birthday, Christmas, new house and get well list, its worth re doing my wedding vows just to get it on that list too!! 

Sue Ainger Executive Events Manager