Now that you have published your programme for the current year, it is time to start thinking about what to offer your members for the next season. It may be comfortable to continue with your usual rota of speakers and wines, but perhaps you should introduce you members to some new experiences.
The internet is a great resource for finding new wines and possible lecturers – we feature many in these pages. You can also find out what commercial firms are doing in your region. There may be trade tastings that you could attend – most merchants and suppliers welcome informed members of wine clubs to join them, and these events normally have no entry charge – you might even get a snack of lunch. Our editor reports on some he has attended recently on the news page. Hunt out the events that interest you, or ask your local merchants for his ideas.
So, what is new? The countries of South America continue to expand their output of both commercial and fine wine, generally at very reasonable prices. South Africa , Australia and New Zealand have planting of new vines and more marginal areas – if you haven’t tried a wine from the northern slopes of Table Mountain , a Pinot Noir from Otago or a quality Australian Tempranillo, you should search them out.
The techniques and enthusiasm of New World producers is coming to Europe . Commercial wines of the Australian style are being produced in the south of France , Spain and Italy , and premium versions, and copies by local enthusiasts will soon follow. Think of Planeta in Sicily, Alejandro Fernandes in Ribero del Duero or Jean Gardies in Roussillon, and seek our their successors.
You don’t know how good it is until you have tried it!
